Xiuli CHEN, Yiming WU, Kangning ZHANG, Yuanyuan LIU, Peng DU, Yuqi OU, Guanghua LIU
Experimental and Clinical Transplantation - 2026;24(2):134-143
Objectives: This study compared early postoperative duration of stay in the intensive care unit and rehabilitation requirements between patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and patients with decompensated cirrhosis after liver transplant. Materials and Methods: Patients were divided into 3 groups: hepatocellular carcinoma with mild-to-moderate cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma with severe cirrhosis, and decompensated cirrhosis. We collected data on demographics and etiology, Child-Pugh classification, preoperative blood and biochemical profiles, cardiopulmonary function, and postoperative recovery milestones. Results: Our study included 110 liver transplant patients. Postoperatively, groups with hepatocellular carcinoma had earlier weaning, catheter, and drain removal compared with the decompensated cirrhosis group, which had longer stays in the intensive care unit and more rehabilitation sessions. Conclusions: Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma had better preoperative conditions, leading to faster postoperative recovery, shorter stays in the intensive care unit, and reduced rehabilitation requirements compared with those with decompensated cirrhosis.
