Resection of liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma

Hepatic metastasis of colorectal cancer is a life-threatening prognostic factor. The present review revealed that hepatic resection is the best treatment modality, although the overall survival rate after hepatectomy for metastatic colorectal cancer is still low (20-40%). Various prognostic factors analyzed by many authors are controversial. The number of hepatic metastases and the surgical margin were the most important prognostic factors, as seen in 10 papers previously reported including our data. A clear surgical margin is achievable, but the prognosis of patients with four or more metastatic nodules in the liver remains poor. Repeat hepatectomy is also evaluated and is believed by many surgeons to have acceptable mortality. It improved survival to a certain extent. Analysis of the biologic characteristics of primary and metastatic tumors is extremely important and is urgently indicated.