Transplantation proceedings
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Salvage liver transplantation (SLT) has been performed for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or deterioration of liver function after primary liver resection. However, the survival outcomes and recurrence rates of SLT versus primary liver transplantation (PLT) for HCC remain controversial. Here we sought to compare the short- and long-term outcomes after SLT and PLT, by conducting a quantitative meta-analysis. ⋯ The current study demonstrates SLT for recurrent HCC is feasible and it can achieve the same short- and long-term outcomes as PLT. Therefore, SLT may be accepted as the treatment of choice for patients with recurrent HCC.