Evolution of Long-Term Outcome of Liver Resection for Colorectal Metastases: Analysis of Actual 5-Year Survival Rates over Two Decades

Background

Liver resection (LR) is the only potentially curative treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Its outcome over the past 2 decades was studied using actual 5-year survival rates.

Methods

Data of 393 consecutive patients who underwent LR for CRLM at Mauriziano Umberto I (Turin) until June 2005 were analyzed. Excluding R2 resections (n?=?4) or incomplete 5-year follow-up (n?=?13), 376 patients were divided according to LR date into groups A (before 1995: 90 patients), B (1995?C2000: 94 patients), C (2001?C2005: 192).

Results

Group C presented increased multiple and bilobar metastases compared with combined group A and B (C vs AB: 54.7% vs 40.2%, P?=?0.005; 28.1% vs 19.0%, P?=?0.038, respectively), decreased metastases diameter (C vs AB: 32 vs 40?mm, P?=?0.0001). The 5-year overall survival, calculated excluding 4 operative mortalities (group AB), increased over the years (A, 20.5%; B, 32.6%; C, 46.4%; P?P?=?0.015). Recurrence-free 5-year survival improved (C vs AB: 23.4% vs 13.9%, P?=?0.019) linked to decreased liver recurrences (C vs AB: 26.8% vs 37.4%, P?=?0.023). Resection rate (59% overall for liver recurrence) increased along with 5-year survival after recurrence (A, 4.0%; B, 14.2%; C, 21.4%; P?P?=?0.003) and synchronous metastases (P?=?0.008), N+ tumors (P?=?0.005), and in patients without chemotherapy (P?=?0.001).

Conclusions

Long-term outcome of LR for CRLM improved over 20?years, even in patients with negative prognostic factors, linked to hepatic recurrences reduction and increased survival after recurrence.