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Hepatic cryosurgery in treating colorectal metastases
M L Weaver1, D Atkinson, R Zemel
1Department of Surgery, Allegheny General Hospital Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Cancer
|July 15, 1995
Summary
Cryosurgery shows promise in treating liver metastases from colorectal cancer, potentially enabling more patients to become disease-free. Further research is needed to confirm its impact on long-term survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
Background:
- Colorectal adenocarcinoma frequently metastasizes to the liver.
- Hepatic metastases significantly impact patient prognosis.
- Effective treatment strategies for liver metastases are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of cryosurgery as an adjunct to resection for hepatic metastases.
- To assess the safety and outcomes of cryosurgical ablation in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 47 patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer underwent cryosurgery with or without resection.
- Intraoperative ultrasound guided cryoprobe placement for freezing lesions to -196°C.
- Follow-up included CT scans and monthly carcinoembryonic antigen levels.
Main Results:
- The 24-month survival rate was 62%.
- 11% of patients achieved no evidence of disease at a median follow-up of 30 months.
- Complications included myoglobinuria, coagulopathy, pleural effusions, and bile duct injuries; 4% of patients died due to complications.
Conclusions:
- Cryosurgical ablation can increase the proportion of patients with liver metastases who become disease-free.
- Cryosurgery offers a potential treatment option for unresectable or difficult-to-resect liver metastases.
- Longer follow-up is required to determine the definitive impact of cryosurgery on overall survival.