BACKGROUND:

Our goal was to analyze the results of resection of colorectal cancer and liver metastases in one procedure.

STUDY DESIGN:

Between June 1982 and July 1998, 522 patients underwent liver resection for colorectal metastases. Liver resection was performed simultaneously with colorectal resection in 71 cases, representing the population in this study. Morbidity, mortality, overall survival, and disease-free survival times were analyzed. Median followup time was 29 months (range 6 to 162 months). Prognostic factors and their influence on outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS:

The median hospital stay was 8 days (range 5 to 23 days). Morbidity was 21% and included nine pleural effusions, seven wound abscesses, four instances of hepatic failure, three systemic infections, three intraabdominal abscesses, and one colonic anastomosis leakage. Operative mortality was 0%. Recurrence rate was 57.7% (41 or 71), and progression of disease was detected in 33.8%. Overall and disease-free survivals at 1, 3, and 5 years were 88%, 45%, and 38% and 67%, 17%, and 9%, respectively. Prognostic factors with notable influence on patient outcomes were nodal stage as per TNM classification, number of liver metastases, diameter (smaller or larger than 5 cm), liver resection specimen weight (lighter or heavier than 90 g), and liver resection margin (smaller or larger than 1 cm).

CONCLUSIONS:

Simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer and liver metastases can be performed with low morbidity and mortality rates, avoiding a second surgical procedure.