Minimally Invasive Resection of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases Leads to an Earlier Initiation of Chemotherapy Compared to Open Surgery.

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have shown benefit not only from postoperative chemotherapy but also from a short interval to initiation of treatment after resection of primary colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to determine difference in timing to postoperative chemotherapy for minimally invasive resection (MIR) vs. open resection (OR) of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM).

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of 1:1 matched patients undergoing MIR (n = 66) and OR (n = 66) for CRCLM at a single institution.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing MIR of CRCLM had significantly shorter length of hospital stay, fewer major complications, and shorter interval to postoperative chemotherapy (median 42 vs. 63 days, p < 0.001). Univariable analysis showed that surgical approach, postoperative complications, blood loss, number of lesions, and length of stay were associated with timing to chemotherapy. On multivariable analysis, surgical approach was still associated with timing to chemotherapy, and postoperative complications resulted in a delay of chemotherapy among patients who underwent OR but not among those who underwent MIR. In addition, worse disease-free survival was seen among patients who received postoperative chemotherapy more than 60 days after surgery.

CONCLUSION

By modifying the deleterious effects of postoperative complications on timing of postoperative chemotherapy, patients undergoing MIR for CRCLM are treated with chemotherapy sooner after surgery compared to those undergoing OR.