Liver Resection for Multiple Colorectal Metastases

Abstract

CARCINOMA OF the colon is the third most common malignancy in Western countries, and its incidence is increasing.¹ One third of patients with colorectal cancer develop liver metastases during the course of the disease.² The natural course of unresected colorectal hepatic metastases carries a median survival time of less than 1 year, and there are almost no survivors 3 years after diagnosis.^3-5 Liver resection is the only effective therapeutic approach that offers a chance of long-term survival of 25% up to 39% after 5 years.^5-8