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Comparative Study
. 2010 Apr;12(3):188-94.
doi: 10.1111/j.1477-2574.2009.00143.x.

Open liver resection for colorectal metastases: better short- and long-term outcomes in patients potentially suitable for laparoscopic liver resection

Fenella K S Welsh  1 , Paris P Tekkis, Timothy G John, Myrddin Rees
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Open liver resection for colorectal metastases: better short- and long-term outcomes in patients potentially suitable for laparoscopic liver resection

Fenella K S Welsh et al. HPB (Oxford). 2010 Apr.

Abstract

Background: There is no prospective randomized data comparing laparoscopic to open hepatectomy. This study compared short- and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing hepatectomy for colorectal metastases (CRM), who were suitable for either laparoscopic or open surgery.

Methods: Data were prospectively collected from consecutive patients undergoing hepatic resection of CRM at a single centre (1987-2007). Patients who were suitable for laparoscopic resection (Group 1) were compared with patients whose tumour characteristics would best be considered for open resection (Group 2).

Results: Out of 1152 hepatectomies, 266 (23.1%) were deemed suitable for a laparoscopic approach. The median (IQR) number of metastases was greater in Group 2 [2(1-20) vs. 1(1-10), P < 0.001], as was the mean (SD) tumour size [5.3(3.6) cm vs. 3.3(1.2) cm, P < 0.001]. The median (IQR) operation time [210 (70) min vs. 240 (90) min, P < 0.001] and blood loss [270 (265) ml vs. 355 (320) ml, P < 0.001] were less in Group 1. There was no difference in length of stay, morbidity or mortality. Patients in Group 2 had a higher R1 resection rate (14.9%) compared with Group 1 (4.5%, P < 0.001) and lower 5-year survival (37.8% vs. 44.2%, P= 0.005).

Discussion: Current criteria for laparoscopic hepatectomy selects patients who have more straight-forward surgery, with less risk of an involved resection margin and better long-term survival, compared with patients unsuited to a laparoscopic approach. Clearly defined criteria for laparoscopic hepatectomy are essential to allow meaningful analysis of outcomes and the results of unrandomized series of laparoscopic hepatectomies must be interpreted with caution.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart to show derivation of study groups
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cancer-specific survival in patients undergoing hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases with a curative intent grouped according to whether these are considered suitable (Group 1) or not suitable (Group 2) for laparoscopic resection. Log-rank: chi-square = 7.873, 1 d.f., P= 0.005
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

References

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