[Hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases after neoadjuvant chemotherapy]

The majority of patients with colorectal liver metastases receive systemic chemotherapy. In the context of unresectable liver metastases, the objective of chemotherapy based on new and more effective regimens is not only to prolong survival, but also to induce enough response and shrinkage of the tumor to render resectable patients initially not deemed to be surgical candidates. In patients with resectable liver metastases, the goal of chemotherapy is to improve the outcome after surgery and especially to decrease the risk of recurrence. Although the principles of combined modality treatment become widely accepted, this therapeutic strategy is also associated with potential risks related to the preoperative use of chemotherapy.