Late results justify resection for multiple hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: Whilst hepatic resection is accepted for single colorectal metastases, the role of surgery for multiple deposits is less certain. This study reports results of a programme of aggressive resection of hepatic metastases. METHODS: Of 150 hepatic resections for colorectal metastases, 107 patients have completed 1-9 years' follow-up for this actuarial survival analysis. Indications for resection were disease confined to the liver, resectability of all metastases and preservation of sufficient hepatic parenchyma. RESULTS: One patient (1 per cent) died after operation and six (6 per cent) suffered serious complications (two surgical and four medical) but with full recovery. Patients who had a radical resection (n = 89) had 1- and 5-year survival rates of 94 and 37 per cent respectively. A palliative group (n = 18) with disease elsewhere (n = 9) or positive histological margins (n = 9) had corresponding survival rates of 56 and 6 per cent. Univariate analysis of the group who had radical surgery demonstrated that survival depended on size of metastases (less than 7 cm) (P = 0.014), width of clear resection margin (greater than 5 mm) (P = 0.004) and primary site (P = 0.010). Factors not affecting outcome were number of metastases, unilateral versus bilateral disease, synchronous versus metachronous spread, tumour differentiation and Dukes stage. Multivariate analysis demonstrated independent survival advantage for small metastases (less than 7 cm) (P = 0.002) and clear resection margin greater than 5 mm (P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Hepatic resection in selected patients with single and multiple colorectal hepatic metastases is justified.