[Survival after resection of lung metastasis from colorectal cancer]

To analyze the results of resection of lung metastases from colorectal adenocarcinoma in selected patients, evaluating type of resection, morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure, and overall actuarial survival rates after surgery.

Between 1988 and 1996, 811 patients were treated surgically for colorectal adenocarcinoma. Recurrent chronic lung metastases were resected, presumably with the intention to cure, in 15 patients in the series. One patient underwent surgery for pelvic recurrence and another seven for liver metastases, before resection of the lung metastases.

Twenty-seven wedge resections were performed, two being non-malignant and one patient requiring re-resection of new lung metastases. Unsuspected locations of lung metastasis were found in three patients during surgery. Perioperative mortality was zero. Mean follow-up was 50 months (range 28 to 99). Seven patients presented new occurrences of metastasis or tumor recurrence and died as a result. The actuarial survival rate was 48% at 5 years.

In selected patients, surgical resection of lung metastasis from colorectal cancer, with the assumed intention of cure, has yielded a good survival rate and zero perioperative mortality. It appears advisable to use an approach that permits exhaustive palpation of the pulmonary parenchyma, due to the risk of finding unsuspected metastases.