Surgery for colorectal liver metastases: Anatomic and non-anatomic approach

Liver resection is potentially curative for patients with colorectal liver metastasis, but an advanced understanding of tumor biology and improved adjuvant therapies have facilitated an ongoing evolution of metastatic resection, even in the setting of a significant metastatic disease burden. As indications for surgery have expanded, preferred techniques and timing have been debated. This commentary reviews the merits of anatomic versus non-anatomic approaches to colorectal liver metastasis resection, considering oncologic outcomes, overall survival, and conflicting theories in the pathophysiology of the metastatic liver spread.