[Synchronous resection of liver metastases of colorectal cancers]

From 1981 to 1991, 161 patients underwent liver resection for colorectal secondaries with curative intent. In 57 patients metastases were synchronous to the primary tumor and were resected in 29 cases simultaneously and in 28 patients after a 2-week delay. Median survival of 28 months is similar to the treatment result for metachronous metastases. However, the recurrence-free interval was significantly shorter (7.5 months vs 11.8 months; p = 0.05). Radical resection of the primary tumor contributes to the treatment result; segmental resections of colorectum without lymphadenectomy should be avoided. Indication for liver resection should be made in the case of solitary lesions and in patients without extrahepatic disease. The type of resection for the primary tumor or for liver metastases does not influence survival, morbidity, or operative mortality.