Hepatic resection for colorectal metastases - a national perspective

Many consultant surgeons are uncertain about peri-operative assessment and postoperative follow-up of patients for colorectal liver metastases, and indications for referral for hepatic resection. The aim of this study was to assess the views the consultant surgeons who manage these patients.

A postal questionnaire was sent to all consultant members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland and of the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. The questionnaire assessed current practice for preoperative assessment and follow-up of patients with colorectal malignancy and timing of and criteria for hepatic resection of metastases. Number of referrals/resections were also assessed.

The response rate was 47%. Half of the consultants held joint clinics with an oncologist and 89% assessed the liver for secondaries prior to colorectal resection. Ultrasound was used by 75%. Whilst 99% would consider referring a patient with a solitary liver metastasis for resection, only 62% would consider resection for more than 3 unilobar metastases. The majority (83%) thought resections should be performed within the 6 months following colorectal resection. During follow-up, 52% requested blood CEA levels and 72% liver ultrasound. Half would consider chemotherapy prior to liver resection and 76% performed at least one hepatic resection per year with a median number of 2 resections each year.

A substantial proportion of patients are assessed for colorectal liver metastases preoperatively and during follow-up though there is spectrum of frequency of assessment and modality for imaging. Virtually all patients with solitary hepatic metastases are considered for liver resection. Patients with more than one metastasis are likely to be not considered for resection. Many surgeons are carrying out less than 3 resections each year.