Metastasectomy for liver metastases of non-colorectal primaries

Background: Resection of liver metastases of non-colorectal primary maligna ncies has been reported to prolong survival. We studied the results in our hospital and compared the survival data with that described in the literatu re. Patients and methods: Since 1991, a prospective database has been kept at T he Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital of patients undergoing hepatic surgery (n = 180). Between 1991 and 1999, 32 patients u nderwent laparotomy for hepatic metastases of non-colorectal primaries. Thi s study evaluates the operative technical aspects and determines morbidity, mortality, disease-free and overall survival. Results: There were 11 males and 21 females with a median age of 52 (25-69) years. Histology of the primary tumour were various carcinomas (n = 22), m elanomas (n = 4) and sarcomas (n = 6). Resection was performed in 28 patien ts; four patients appeared to be irresectable. There was no perioperative m ortality. Morbidity was 23%. One re-operation was necessary because of haem orrhage. The median disease-free survival for the 28 patients was 12 months with an actuarial 5-year disease-free survival of 20% (Kaplan-Meier). The 5-year overall survival was 35% with a median survival of 21 months. Conclusion: Liver metastasectomy for selected types of non-colorectal prima ry tumours is relatively safe and shows in selected patients long-term surv ival comparable to that of metastasectomies for colorectal origin. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.