Outcomes of Hepatic Resection for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis

ABSTRACT

PUROPSE The liver is a major site for the metastatic spread of primary colorectal cancers.. Among the various modalities of treatment for hepatic metastasis of colorectal cancer, hepatic resection has been proven to be the most effective treatment. This analysis was intended to review our experience with hepatic resection for colorectal cancer liver metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1989 to 2006, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical experience of 31 patients who were underwent hepatic resection for 20 synchronous and 11 metachronous hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. The survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log rank test. The mean follow up period was 26.7 months. RESULTS: The mean survival length of the patients was 65.08 5.00 months. Resection mortality was not observed. Age, sex, the preoperative CEA level, location, differentiation, and the surgical method for the primary tumor did not influence the survival (p>0.05). The number, largest size, sum of the largest size, and surgical method (wedge resection, segmental resection, lobectomy) for the hepatic metastasis did not influence the survival (p>0.05).Considering the time from diagnosis of the primary tumor to detection of the metastatic lesion, patients that had metachronous lesions survived longer than patients that had synchronous lesions (p=0.05). Patients that had a longer disease free interval after hepatic resection had a longer survival period (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that hepatic resection for colorectal cancer liver metastasis is a safe procedure with a survival benefit for the patients. We especially believe that hepatic resection for metachronous hepatic metastasis of colorectal cancer may offer a chance of longer survival to these patients.