[Indication for selective surgical excision of hepatic metastases]

451 patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer showed synchronous hepatic metastases in 24.4% (110 cases). Survival of patients with hepatic metastases appears to depend on both the age of the patient and the site of metastatic deposit. A relatively good prognosis group with median survival of 14 months can be separated from the other patients with only 5 months survival. Survival of patients with hepatic metastases can thus be predicted and long-term survival (5 and 10 years) obtained by surgical excision of these metastases. Postoperative CEA determinations will also increase the rate of early surgery for hepatic metastases.