[Surgical strategy in the treatment of synchronous hepatic metastases of colorectal cancers. Analysis of a series of 59 operated on patients].

AIM OF THE STUDY

The surgical strategy for the treatment of resectable synchronous hepatic metastases of colorectal cancer remains controversial. The retrospective analysis of our series of resectable synchronous hepatic metastases is focused on the percentage of simultaneous resections, the circumstances, the indications, and the results of the one-step procedure compared to the two-step strategy.

METHODS

From January 1st 1982 to December 31st 1996, 146 patients were operated on for resection of hepatic metastases of colorectal cancer. Fifty-nine (40%) presented with synchronous metastases, 28 (47.5%) of whom underwent simultaneous resection of the primary tumor and of the hepatic metastases (simultaneous resection group: SR). For the other 31 patients (52.5%), the hepatic resection was delayed for a mean interval of 6 +/- 4 months (delayed resection group: DR).

RESULTS

The mean age in the two groups was not significantly different (56 years vs. 60 years). The need for blood transfusion and the volume required were not significantly different between the two groups. The duration of each surgical operation was comparable between the two groups (320 +/- 76 min vs. 308 +/- 88 min). Postoperative complications were observed in 18% of patients in the SR group and in 16% of patients in the DR group (no significant difference). There was no postoperative mortality in either group. Survival was 86, 63 and 43% at 1, 2, 3 years respectively in the SR group, and 81, 51 and 36% in the DR group, with no significant difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous resection of the primary tumor and the hepatic metastases does not increase neither mortality nor morbidity in our series. The best candidate for a one-step procedure is a patient with a right colonic tumor, in a good status, with liver synchronous metastases resectable by mean of a minor hepatectomy.