[Resection of hepatic metastases of colo-rectal carcinoma. Indications and initial results]

We report our initial experience in the resection of metastases from colo-rectal cancer confined to the liver. Seventeen hepatic resections were performed in sixteen patients over a thirty-eight months period. Median age was 58 years (45-75). The extent of liver involvement was assessed by computerized tomographic portography and magnetic resonance. In fourteen cases there was a solitary lesion. Mean interval time between colo-rectal resection and hepatic resection was 18 months (0-69). Twelve major hepatic resections and five wedge resections were performed. There was not operative mortality. Seven patients received complementary chemotherapy. Mean follow-up was 14.8 months (2-34). One patient died from carcinoma of the lung, five patients (31.25%) are alive with recurrence of some sort (three recurrences being in the liver) and ten patients (62.5%) are free of disease. Indications for resection, methods used for identification of candidates, prognostic determinants and indications for complementary chemotherapy are discussed.