Background/aims: We aimed to identify prognostic factors that may allow better patient selection for liver resection for colorectal liver metastases.
Methodology: A retrospective analysis of the files of 120 patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal metastases between 9/85 and 12/96 was performed. Survival and disease-free survival were calculated, and a uni- and multivariate analysis for the prognostic impact of various perioperative factors on survival was performed.
Results: Perioperative morbidity and mortality were 28.3% and 5.8% respectively. Median overall survival was 30 months with a 5-year survival rate of 31%. Radicality was the prime prognostic determinant. In patients with R0-resection, a liver metastasis of > 3.5 cm in diameter was the only independent factor associated with an adverse prognosis.
Conclusions: Liver resection for colorectal liver metastases should be attempted if complete resection with clear margins is feasible and may be especially beneficial in patients with small (< or = 3.5 cm) lesions.