Prognostic factors following liver resection for hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to identify prognostic factors that-may allow bet ter patient selection for liver resection for colorectal liver metastases. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective analysis of the files of 120 patients undergoi ng liver resection for colorectal metastases between 9/85 and 12/96 was per formed. Survival and disease-free survival were calculated, and a uni- and multivariate analysis for the prognostic impact of various perioperative fa ctors on survival was performed. RESULTS: Perioperative morbidity and mortality were 28.3% and 5.8% respecti vely. Median overall survival was 30 months with a 5-year survival rate of 31%. Radicality was the prime prognostic determinant. In patients with R0-r esection, a liver metastasis of >3.5cm in diameter was the only independent factor associated with an adverse prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Liver resection for colorectal liver metastases Should be atte mpted if complete resection with clear margins is feasible and may be espec ially beneficial in patients with small (less than or equal to 3.5cm) lesio ns.