Metastasectomy for liver metastases of non-colorectal primaries

Resection of liver metastases of non-colorectal primary malignancies has been reported to prolong survival. We studied the results in our hospital and compared the survival data with that described in the literature.

Since 1991, a prospective database has been kept at The Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital of patients undergoing hepatic surgery (n=180). Between 1991 and 1999, 32 patients underwent laparotomy for hepatic metastases of non-colorectal primaries. This study evaluates the operative technical aspects and determines morbidity, mortality, disease-free and overall survival.

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), melanomas (n=4) and sarcomas (n=6). Resection was performed in 28 patients; four patients appeared to be irresectable. There was no perioperative mortality. Morbidity was 23%. One re-operation was necessary because of haemorrhage. 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.

Liver metastasectomy for selected types of non-colorectal primary tumours is relatively safe and shows in selected patients long-term survival comparable to that of metastasectomies for colorectal origin.