Preoperative systemic chemotherapy does not modify strategy of liver resection

Most patients who undergo surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases have been previously treated with chemotherapy as adjuvant therapy or as a primary treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare morbidity, mortality, liver function and histology of the liver specimens in patients undergoing colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) resection with and without a history of previous chemotherapy.

Records of 210 patients who underwent CRLM resection in our institution between January 1996 and March 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. We selected for further analysis medical charts of 40 patients who didn't receive a combined treatment concurrently to liver resection. Group I included 25 patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Group II included 15 patients who received chemotherapy in the 3 months before liver resection.

Postoperative mortality was 0% and 0.7% in group I and II respectively. Specific liver complications and pulmonary complications were similar in the two groups: 20% and 32% us. 33% respectively. The mean length of stay in the hospital was similar in the two groups (19 +/- 14 vs. 14 +/- 8). Changes of liver function test were similar in the two groups. Pathologic examination of liver specimens was not different in the two groups.

Preoperative systemic chemotherapy didn't increase the risk of liver resection.