Excision of pulmonary metastasis of colorectal cancer

Metastasis of colorectal cancer to the lung is a frequent occurrence. Resection of pulmonary metastasis provides the only effective treatment. The initial detection of disease is usually with a chest radiograph. A CAT scan determines the number of lesions, resectability and other metastatic disease. Candidates for surgical excision are those patients with completely resectable singular, multiple, and bilateral metastasis, and those with metachronous liver lesions excised for cure. Exposure of unilateral disease is via a thoracotomy and of bilateral disease via a sternotomy. Metastatic lesions are removed by wedge resection with conservation of lung tissue. Postoperative recovery is usually rapid with low morbidity and mortality. Long-term success for these resections remains controversial.