Does Minimally Invasive Approach Change Criteria of Allocation to Treatment Strategy in Synchronous Colorectal...

Background/Objectives: Heterogeneity in clinical scenarios of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) leads to the possible application of different surgical strategies. Specifically, the possibility of performing combined colorectal and liver resections for synchronous CRLM has been proposed in specific settings but its feasibility, safety and impact in minimally invasive settings remain underexplored. This study examines a multicenter Italian experience, comparing perioperative outcomes of combined (CR) versus non-combined (NCR) minimally invasive liver resections (MILR) for CRLM. Methods: Patients from the prospective multicenter registry of the Italian Group of Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery (I Go MILS) who underwent MILR for CRLM between 2016 and 2024 were included. Perioperative outcomes were compared between CR and NCR using Nearest Neighbor Matching. Results: In total, 2286 patients were analyzed, including 1879 NCR and 407 CR. CR was associated with less challenging resections (technical difficulty Kawaguchi grade III: 7.13% vs. 14.53%, p < 0.001), longer operative time (385 vs. 270 min, p < 0.001) and higher major complication rate (11.55% vs. 5.11%, p < 0.001) compared to NCR. The conversion rate was similar between the two groups (9.09% vs. 7.91%, p = 0.479). Technical complexity, operative time, conversion, low-volume hospital, and CR was an independent predictor of major complications after matching. Conclusions: CR is associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications, despite being selected for minor liver resections, confirming the impact of associated colorectal surgery in determining the postoperative risk and hence highlighting the concept that accurate preoperative patient selection is a key step in guiding treatment allocation for CRLM. Therefore, MILR does not yet justify broadening indications for combined resection beyond carefully selected patients.