Liver resections for embolic metastases from cancer of the colon and rectum

Summary and Conclusions Two patients, who underwent resections of the left lobe of the liver for embolic metastases from primary cancers of the colon and rectum, are reported. The internal anatomy of the liver, as it relates to the technic and terminology of resections, is reviewed. Cases of liver resection performed for embolic metastases from cancer of the colon and rectum, found in an extensive review of medical literature, are classified and the results are analyzed. Resection of either half of the liver (hemihepatectomy) for embolic metastasis from cancer of the colon or rectum, so rarely cures the patient and carries such a high operative mortality rate, that it is seldom, if ever, justifiable. The lesser operations (left lobectomy or right-lobe metastasectomy) often can be performed simultaneously with the primary operation and are occasionally followed by freedom from recurrence for periods of 5 years or more. They are justifiable if the metastasis is situated favorably in the liver for complete removal, and if the primary lesion appears to be curable.