Perioperative Lymphopenia Increases Risk of Recurrence and Impairs Survival After Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

A new study investigated the prognostic value of perioperative lymphopenia on short- and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Researchers found that perioperative lymphopenia, particularly severe lymphopenia on postoperative day 5, was associated with worse 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival. Patients with severe lymphopenia also had a higher incidence of overall and major complications. Prolonged lymphopenia was independently associated with increased hazards of death and recurrence. These findings suggest that perioperative lymphopenia has significant prognostic implications for individuals undergoing hepatectomy for HCC.