Surgical management of patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastasis: a multicenter international analysis

Outcomes of Simultaneous Versus Staged Resection for Stage IV Colorectal Cancer with Synchronous Liver Metastases

INTRODUCTION

Management of stage IV colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases remains debated, as colorectal and liver resections can be performed simultaneously or staged apart.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine any demographic or outcome differences between simultaneous and staged resection.

PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective review was performed on patients diagnosed with synchronous colorectal primary and liver metastases within Southern California Kaiser Permanente (KP) hospitals between 2010 and 2020. Patients with other metastases on diagnosis or those who did not receive both primary and liver resections were excluded. Demographic and outcome data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 113 patients who met criteria, 72 (63.7%) received simultaneous and 41 (36.3%) received staged resection. Demographic data were comparable between simultaneous and staged resection, respectively, including median age of diagnosis, sex, and race. Both groups had similar median length of stay, percentage of major colorectal resection, and percentage of major liver resection. Both groups also had similar rates of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. There were no statistically significant difference in complications rates, median follow-up time, median overall survival, and median disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Practice patterns within Southern California KP hospitals favor minor colorectal and liver resections. However, there were no significant differences in demographics, treatment rates, or outcomes between simultaneous and staged resection. While not statistically significant, our findings of a 11.9% higher major liver resection rate and 7.5-month longer median disease-free survival in the staged resection group may benefit from further study with higher power datasets.

Stage IV Rectal Cancer and Timing of Surgical Approach

Liver metastases are seen in at least 60% of patients with colorectal cancer at some point during the course of their disease. The management of both primary and liver disease is uniquely challenging in rectal cancer due to competing treatments and complex sequence of treatments depending on the clinical presentation of disease. Recently, several novel concepts are shaping new treatment paradigms, including changes in timing, sequence, and duration of therapies combined with potential deescalation of treatment components. Overall, the treatment of this clinical scenario mandates multidisciplinary evaluation and personalization of care; however, there is still considerable debate regarding the timing of liver metastasectomy in the context of the overall treatment plan. Herein, we will discuss the current literature on management of rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastasis, current treatment approaches with respect to chemotherapy, and role of hepatic artery infusion therapy.

Evaluation of the American College of Surgeons risk calculator in hepatectomy for metastatic colorectal cancer in a Southeast Asian population

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the accuracy of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) calculator in predicting outcomes after hepatectomy for colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis in a Southeast Asian population.

METHODS

Predicted and actual outcomes were compared for 166 patients undergoing hepatectomy for CRC liver metastasis identified between 2017 and 2022, using receiver operating characteristic curves with area under the curve (AUC) and Brier score.

RESULTS

The ACS-NSQIP calculator accurately predicted most postoperative complications (AUC > 0.70), except for surgical site infection (AUC = 0.678, Brier score = 0.045). It also exhibited satisfactory performance for readmission (AUC = 0.818, Brier score = 0.011), reoperation (AUC = 0.945, Brier score = 0.002), and length of stay (LOS, AUC = 0.909). The predicted LOS was close to the actual LOS (5.9 vs. 5.0 days, P = 0.985).

CONCLUSION

The ACS-NSQIP calculator demonstrated generally accurate predictions for 30-day postoperative outcomes after hepatectomy for CRC liver metastasis in our patient population.

Simultaneous resection for colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases: current state-of-the-art

BACKGROUND

A large proportion of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) presents with synchronous colorectal liver metastases (sCRLM) at diagnosis. Surgical approaches for patients with sCRLM have evolved over the past decades. Simultaneous resection (SR) of CRC and sCRLM for selected patients has emerged as a safe and efficient alternative approach to traditional staged resections.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed and Web of Science databases with the end of search date October 30, 2023. The MeSH terms "simultaneous resections" and "combined resections" in combination with "colorectal liver metastases," "colorectal cancer," "liver resection," and "hepatectomy" were searched in the title and/or abstract.

RESULTS

SRs aim to achieve maximal tumor clearance, minimizing the risk of disease progression and optimizing the potential for long-term survival. Improvements in perioperative care, advances in surgical techniques, and a better understanding of patient selection criteria have collectively contributed to reducing morbidity and mortality associated with these complex procedures. Several studies have demonstrated that SR are associated with reduced overall length of stay and lower costs with comparable morbidity and long-term outcomes. In light of these outcomes, the proportion of patients undergoing SR for CRC and sCRLM has increased substantially over the past 2 decades.

CONCLUSION

For patients with sCRLM, SR represents an attractive alternative to the traditional staged approach and should be selectively used; however, the decision on whether to proceed with a simultaneous versus staged approach should be individualized based on several patient- and disease-related factors.

Minimally invasive vs. open approach to the simultaneous treatment of colorectal tumors with synchronous liver metastasis: a single center, propensity-score matched analysis from Mayo clinic

BACKGROUND

Open combined resections of colorectal primary tumors and synchronous liver metastases have become common in selected cases. However, evidences favoring a minimally invasive (MIS) approach are still limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of MIS vs. open synchronous liver and colorectal resections.

METHODS

384 cases of synchronous colorectal and liver resections performed at one institution were identified during the study period. MIS vs open approach were compared after a propensity score matching; surgical outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

MIS cases featured longer operative time (399 vs 300 min, p < 0.001), fewer blood loss (200 vs 500 ml, p = 0.003), and shorter hospitalization (median LOS 4 vs 6 days, p = 0.001). No difference was observed between the two groups for use of Pringle maneuver (p = 0.083), intraoperative blood transfusion (p = 0.061), achievement of negative colorectal (p = 0.176) and liver margins (p = 1.000), postoperative complications (p = 1.000) and significant (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3a) complications (p = 0.817), delay of adjuvant therapy due to complications (p = 0.555), 30- and 90-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

Synchronous colorectal and liver metastases resections via a minimally-invasive approach in high-volume centers with appropriate expertise result in significantly lower blood loss and length of stay despite longer operative time in comparison to open, with no oncological inferiority.

Using the win ratio to compare laparoscopic versus open liver resection for colorectal cancer liver metastases

Background

We sought to assess the overall benefit of laparoscopic versus open hepatectomy for treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) using the win ratio, a novel methodological approach.

Methods

CRLM patients undergoing curative-intent resection in 2001-2018 were identified from an international multi-institutional database. Patients were paired and matched based on age, number and size of lesions, lymph node status and receipt of preoperative chemotherapy. The win ratio was calculated based on margin status, severity of postoperative complications, 90-day mortality, time to recurrence, and time to death.

Results

Among 962 patients, the majority underwent open hepatectomy (n=832, 86.5%), while a minority underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy (n=130, 13.5%). Among matched patient-to-patient pairs, the odds of the patient undergoing laparoscopic resection "winning" were 1.77 [WR: 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42-2.34]. The win ratio favored laparoscopic hepatectomy independent of low (WR: 2.94, 95% CI: 1.20-6.39), medium (WR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.16-2.10) or high (WR: 7.25, 95% CI: 1.13-32.0) tumor burden, as well as unilobar (WR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.25-2.31) or bilobar (WR: 4.57, 95% CI: 2.36-8.64) disease. The odds of "winning" were particularly pronounced relative to short-term outcomes (i.e., 90-day mortality and severity of postoperative complications) (WR: 4.06, 95% CI: 2.33-7.78).

Conclusions

Patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy had 77% increased odds of "winning". Laparoscopic liver resection should be strongly considered as a preferred approach to resection in CRLM patients.

Use of population-based electronic databases for the identification of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases potentially eligible for a surgical trial

BACKGROUND

Some population-based recruitment methods, such as registries and databases, have been used to increase enrolment in clinical trials by identifying eligible participants based on baseline characteristics; however; these methods have not been tested in surgical trials, in which accrual occurs before surgery. We evaluated the use of population-based electronic databases to identify patients who potentially could be accrued to the Simultaneous Resection of Colorectal Cancer with Synchronous Liver Metastases (RESECT) trial and compared it to the traditional methods used to accrue patients (e.g., multidisciplinary rounds, letters to community surgeons) for that same trial during the same period.

METHODS

An electronic database (ePath) was interrogated every 2 weeks for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer from Feb. 1, 2017, to Mar. 30, 2019. A radiologic image database (OneView) was reviewed to identify those with liver metastases (level 1 screening). Reports were interrogated to identify potentially eligible patients for the RESECT trial (level 2 screening). A hepatobiliary surgeon reviewed radiology images to identify eligible patients for the trial (level 3 screening). The primary outcome was patient eligibility for the ongoing RESECT trial.

RESULTS

The population-based method identified 90 (11.2%) of 803 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer over the study period. Among the 90 patients, level 2 screening identified 60 (67%) potentially eligible patients for the RESECT trial. Of the 90 patients, 18 (20%) were eligible after radiographic image review (level 3 screening). Traditional accrual methods identified 38 patients with liver metastases, 27 (71%) of whom were identified as potentially eligible on level 2 screening, and 14 (37%) of whom were deemed to be eligible on level 3 screening. Twenty-six patients were identified by both methods. Twelve patients were identified by population-based methods alone, and 8 patients by traditional methods alone. Six eligible patients were identified by both methods. Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

A population-based electronic database method of patient accrual was able to identify eligible participants for the RESECT trial. However, optimal accrual likely requires the use of traditional methods as well.

A comparison of the simultaneous, liver-first, and colorectal-first strategies for surgical treatment of synchronous colorectal liver metastases at two major liver-surgery institutions in Sweden

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment strategy for patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of the simultaneous, liver-first, and colorectal-first surgical approaches.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who had been resected with curative intent for CRLM were included. A Cox regression model was constructed, and an intention-to-treat analysis was performed between the liver-first and the simultaneous approaches, after propensity score matching.

RESULTS

658 patients were included in the analysis. 92 patients had a simultaneous resection, 163 patients had liver-first, and 403 patients had a colorectal-first approach. Overall survival was 54.9 months (95% CI 39.2-70.4) in the liver-first group, 54.5 months (95% CI 46.8-62.3) in colorectal-first group, and 59.6 months (95% CI 42.2-77.0) in the simultaneous group (log-rank p =0.850). In the matched cohort there were no differences in Clavien-Dindo 3a (p = 0.992) or 3b and greater (p = 0.999). Median overall survival was for liver-first group 42.2 months (95% CI 26.3-58.2), and for the simultaneous group 56.2 months (95% CI 47.1-65.4) (stratified log-rank p = 0.455).

CONCLUSION

A simultaneous approach was not associated with worse overall survival or morbidity compared to a liver-first approach.

Simultaneous or staged resection of synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases: a 13-year institutional follow-up

BACKGROUND

This study compared postoperative outcomes and survival rates of patients who underwent simultaneous or staged resection for synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2018, 126 patients were registered prospectively at a university hospital in Sweden, 63 patients who underwent simultaneous resection were matched against 63 patients who underwent staged resection.

RESULTS

The length of hospital stay was shorter for the simultaneous resection group, at 11 vs 16 days, p = <0.001. Fewer patients experienced recurrence in the simultaneous resection group 39 vs 50 patients, p = 0.012. There were no significant differences in disease-free survival and overall survival between the groups. Age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.72; 95% CI 1.01-2.94; p = 0.049) and Clavien-Dindo score (HR 2.22; 95% CI 1.06-4.67; p = 0.035) had impact on survival.

CONCLUSION

Colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases can be resected simultaneously, and enables a shorter treatment time without jeopardizing oncological outcomes.

Simultaneous versus staged major hepatectomy (≥3 liver segments) for outcomes of synchronous colorectal liver metastases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Hepatectomy is an effective treatment for synchronous colorectal liver metastases (SCLM) patients. However, whether to choose simultaneous hepatectomy (SIH) or staged hepatectomy (STH) is still controversial, especially during major hepatectomy (≥3 liver segments).

Aims

Compare the difference between the SCLM patients underwent SIH and STH, especially during major hepatectomy (≥3 liver segments).

Methods and Results

A meta‐analysis was conducted by analyzing the published data on the outcomes of SCLM patients underwent SIH or STH from January 2010 to December 2020 from the electronic databases. A random‐effects model was used to derive pooled estimates of odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the explored outcomes. Eventually, 18 studies, including 5101 patients, were included this study. The result of meta‐analysis showed that SIH did not increase postoperative complications (pooled OR: 1.037; 95% CI: 0.897–1.200), perioperative mortality (pooled OR: 0.942; 95% CI: 0.552–1.607), 3‐year mortality (pooled OR: 1.090; 95% CI: 0.903–1.316) or 5‐year mortality (pooled OR: 1.077; 95% CI: 0.926–1.253), as compared with STH. Subgroup analysis showed that, simultaneous major hepatectomy (SIMH) also did not increase postoperative complications (pooled OR: 0.863; 95% CI: 0.627–1.188) or perioperative mortality (pooled OR: 0.689; 95% CI: 0.290–1.637) as compared with staged major hepatectomy (STMH).

Conclusion

Postoperative complications, perioperative mortality and long‐term prognosis had no significant difference between SIH and STH for SCLM patients. Besides, postoperative complications and perioperative mortality also had no significant difference between SIMH and STMH.

Simultaneous or staged resection for synchronous liver metastasis and primary rectal cancer: a propensity score matching analysis

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in France and by the time of the diagnosis, 15–25% of patients will suffer from synchronous liver metastases. Surgery associated to neoadjuvant treatment can cure these patients, but few studies focus only on rectal cancer. This study was meant to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent a simultaneous resection to those who underwent a staged resection (rectum first or liver first) in the University Hospital of Tours, France.

Methods

We assessed retrospectively a prospective maintained data base about the clinical, pathological and survival outcomes of patients who underwent a simultaneous or a staged resection in our center between 2010 and 2018. A propensity score matching was used, considering the initial characteristics of our groups.

Results

There were 70 patients (55/15 males, female respectively) with median age 60 (54–68) years. After matching 48 (69%) of them underwent a staged approach and 22 (31%) a simultaneous approach were compared. After PSM, there were 22 patients in each group. No differences were found in terms of morbidity (p = 0.210), overall survival (p = 0.517) and disease-free survival (p = 0.691) at 3 years after matching. There were significantly less recurrences in the simultaneous group (50% vs 81.8%, p = 0.026).

Conclusions

Simultaneous resection of the rectal primary cancer and synchronous liver metastases is safe and feasible with no difference in terms of survival.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-022-02250-9.

Robot-Assisted Right Colectomy with Sequential Wedge Resection of Segments 4 and 5 of The Liver and Cholecystectomy for Colon Cancer with Metastasis to The Liver

The liver is the most common place for colon adenocarcinoma metastasis because of portal circulation. The surgical intervention for patients with colon adenocarcinoma with synchronous metastasis to the liver has been debated. Studies have shown that the simultaneous resection of a colorectal adenocarcinoma with a liver metastasis has similar outcomes compared to the traditional staged approach when looking at morbidity, mortality, and long-term oncologic effects. There has also been a shift to less invasive procedures when performing abdominal surgery. However, the laparoscopic method that has increasingly been used for the simultaneous procedure is technically challenging and therefore not widely adopted. The technical limitations hindering the simultaneous method could be overcome by utilizing a robotic approach. The aim of this report is to demonstrate the effectiveness of a robotic approach for colon adenocarcinoma with synchronous liver metastases.

Synchronous resection of colorectal cancer primary and liver metastases: an outcomes analysis

BACKGROUND

Concurrent resection of the primary cancer and synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) was evaluated for differences in outcomes following stratification of both the liver and colorectal resection.

METHODS

Consecutive cases of synchronous resection of both the CRC primary and CRCLM were reviewed retrospectively at a single, high-volume institution over a 17-year period (2000-2017).

RESULTS

273 patients underwent simultaneous resection of CRCLM. The distribution of the primary lesion was similar between the colon (52.4%) and rectum (47.6%), while 46.9% of patients had bilobar liver disease. Major liver/major colorectal resection (n = 24) were significantly more likely to experience colorectal specific morbidity (OR 3.98, 95% CI 1.56-10.15, p = 0.004), liver specific morbidity (OR 7.4, 95% CI 2.22-24.71, p = 0.001), total morbidity (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.18-7.18, p = 0.020) and 90-day mortality (OR 5.50, 95% CI 1.27-23.81, p = 0.023). Failure to receive adjuvant chemotherapy secondary to postoperative morbidity was associated with significantly worsened survival (HR for death 5.91, 95% CI 1.59-22.01, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative morbidity precluding the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with an increase in mortality. Combining a major liver with major colorectal resection is associated with a significant increase in major morbidity and 90-day mortality, and should be avoided.

Team Strategy Optimization in Combined Resections for Synchronous Colorectal Liver Metastases. A Comparative Study with Bootstrapping Analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate perioperative outcomes and to evaluate factors influencing rative morbidity and adoption of minimally invasive technique in 1-team (1-T) versus two teams (2-T) management of synchronous colorectal liver metastases.

METHODS

Within four referral centers, a group of 234 patients treated in 1-T centers was identified and compared with a group of 253 patients treated in 2-T. A nonparametric bootstrap process was applied to the original cohorts of 1-T group and 2-T group as a resampling method to obtain bootstrapped cohorts (155 patients per group).

RESULTS

33.5% of patients in 1-T boot group and 38.1% in the 2-T boot group were operated by laparoscopic approach. Multivariate analysis revealed that approach to primary tumor (laparoscopic or open) and intraoperative blood loss were independent prognostic factors for morbidity. Team approach did not show any significant correlation with incidence of postoperative complications nor with choice for laparoscopic approach.

CONCLUSION

The optimization of team strategy for patients with SCRLM is not solely based on the adoption of a 1-T or 2-T approach, but should instead be based on the implementation of a standard protocol for management of these patients.

Preoperative high-dose glucocorticoids for early recovery after liver resection: randomized double-blinded trial

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticoids modulate the surgical stress response. Previous studies showed that high-dose preoperative glucocorticoids reduce levels of postoperative inflammatory markers and specific biomarkers of liver damage compared with placebo, and suggested a reduced complication rate and shorter hospital stay after liver surgery. However, there are no studies with a clinical primary outcome or of early recovery outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a single high dose of preoperative glucocorticoid reduces complications in the immediate postoperative phase after liver surgery.

METHODS

This was a single-centre, double-blinded, parallel-group RCT investigating preoperative methylprednisolone 10 mg/kg (high dose) versus dexamethasone 8 mg (standard-dose postoperative nausea prophylaxis) in patients scheduled for open liver resection. The primary outcome was number of patients with a complication in the postanaesthesia care unit; secondary outcomes included duration of hospital stay, pain and nausea during admission, and 30-day morbidity.

RESULTS

A total of 174 patients (88 in high-dose group, 86 in standard-dose group) were randomized and analysed (mean(s.d.) age 65(12) years, 67.2 per cent men); 31.6 per cent had no serious co-morbidities and 25.3 per cent underwent major liver resection. Complications occurred in the postanaesthesia care unit in 51 patients (58 per cent) in the high-dose group and 58 (67 per cent) in the standard-dose group (risk ratio 0.86, 95 per cent c.i. 0.68 to 1.08; P = 0.213). Median duration of hospital stay was 4 days in both groups (P = 0.160). Thirty-day morbidity and mortality rates were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

A high dose of preoperative glucocorticoids did not reduce acute postoperative complications after open liver resection compared with a standard dose. Registration number: NCT03403517 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov); EudraCT 2017-002652-81 (https://eudract.ema.europa.eu/).

Liver-First Approach for Synchronous Colorectal Metastases: Analysis of 7360 Patients from the LiverMetSurvey Registry

Background

The liver-first approach in patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) has gained wide consensus but its role is still to be clarified. We aimed to elucidate the outcome of the liver-first approach and to identify patients who benefit at most from this approach.

Methods

Patients with synchronous CRLM included in the LiverMetSurvey registry between 2000 and 2017 were considered. Three strategies were analyzed, i.e. liver-first approach, colorectal resection followed by liver resection (primary-first), and simultaneous resection, and three groups of patients were analyzed, i.e. solitary metastasis, multiple unilobar CRLM, and multiple bilobar CRLM. In each group, patients from the three strategy groups were matched by propensity score analysis.

Results

Overall, 7360 patients were analyzed: 4415 primary-first, 552 liver-first, and 2393 simultaneous resections. Compared with the other groups, the liver-first group had more rectal tumors (58.0% vs. 31.2%) and higher hepatic tumor burden (more than three CRLMs: 34.8% vs. 24.0%; size > 50 mm: 35.6% vs. 22.8%; p < 0.001). In patients with solitary and multiple unilobar CRLM, survival was similar regardless of treatment strategy, whereas in patients with multiple bilobar metastases, the liver-first approach was an independent positive prognostic factor, both in unmatched patients (3-year survival 65.9% vs. primary-first 60.4%: hazard ratio [HR] 1.321, p = 0.031; vs. simultaneous resections 54.4%: HR 1.624, p < 0.001) and after propensity score matching (vs. primary-first: HR 1.667, p = 0.017; vs. simultaneous resections: HR 2.278, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

In patients with synchronous CRLM, the surgical strategy should be decided according to the hepatic tumor burden. In the presence of multiple bilobar CRLM, the liver-first approach is associated with longer survival than the alternative approaches and should be evaluated as standard.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1245/s10434-021-10220-w.

Risk scoring system for recurrence after simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer liver metastasis

Background

The simultaneous resection of synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastasis (SCRLM) has been widely applied. It is necessary to establish a risk scoring system to predict post-operative recurrence, especially in patients with neoadjuvant treatment.

Methods

The medical records of 221 patients undergoing simultaneous resection of CRLM were assessed in this study with a further 128 patients allocated to a validation group. All patients in the study group were classified according to their history of neoadjuvant treatment and univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to study independent risk factors. A score model was then generated according to the factors included. Our data set were also applied to validate three other existing scoring models [Fong clinical recurrence score (CRS), Konopke, and Zakaria disease-free survival (DFS) score], and the concordance index was calculated for comparison among these models.

Results

CRLM involving more than three nodes positive for a primary tumor was considered an independent risk factor for progression in patients without neoadjuvant treatment and all score models could discretely stratify patients according to disease free survival. In patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment, CRLM involving more than one node and transfusion invasion were major determinants in patients after treatment. However, only our scoring system and Fong’s CRS score could discretely discriminate patients. In the validation group, patients were significantly classified with the score system.

Conclusions

Existing score models had better values for determining prognosis in patients with SCRLM, especially in those undertaking neoadjuvant treatment. Larger cohorts, along with more detailed clinical features and multicenter validation should be undertaken before utilization.

Timing of Complication and Failure to Rescue after Hepatectomy: Single-Institution Analysis of 28 Years of Hepatic Surgery

BACKGROUND

Morbidity after hepatectomy remains a significant, potentially preventable, outcome. Understanding the pattern of complications and rescue pathways is critical for the development of targeted initiatives intended to salvage patients after operative morbidity.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients undergoing liver resection from 1991 to 2018 at a single institution were analyzed. Failure to rescue (FTR) was defined as percentage of deaths in patients with a complication within 30 days. Generalized estimating equations with log-link function assessed associations between clinical characteristics and major complications and between complications at fewer than 30 days and 30 to 90 days. Logistic regression assessed associations between complications and FTR.

RESULTS

A total of 6,191 patients and 6,668 operations were identified, of which 55.6% were performed for management of metastatic colorectal cancer. Major complications (grade ≥3) occurred in 20.2% of operations (1,346 of 6,668). Ninety-day mortality was 2.2%. The most common complication was intra-abdominal abscess at 9.0% (95% CI, 8.3% to 9.7%). Ten percent of patients with a complication at 30 days had another complication between 30 and 90 days compared with 2% without an early complication (odds ratio [OR] 5.09; 95% CI, 3.97 to 6.54; p < 0.001). FTR for liver failure, cardiac arrest, abscess, and hemorrhage was 36%, 56%, 3%, and 6%, respectively. Risk of 90-day mortality was higher in patients with liver failure (53% vs 2%; OR 61.42; 95% CI, 37.47 to 100.67; p < 0.001), cardiac arrest (69% vs 2%; OR 96.95; 95% CI, 33.23 to 283.80; p < 0.001), hemorrhage (11% vs 2%; OR 5.51; 95% CI, 2.59 to 11.73; p < 0.001), and abscess (7% vs 2%; OR 4.05; 95% CI, 2.76 to 5.94; p < 0.001) compared with those without these complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Morbidity after hepatectomy is frequent despite low mortality. This study identifies targets for improvement in morbidity and failure to rescue after hepatectomy. Efforts to improve recognition and intervention for infections and early complications are needed to improve outcomes.

Open and/or laparoscopic one-stage resections of primary colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases: An observational study

One-stage resections of primary colorectal cancer and liver metastases have been reported to be feasible and safe. Minimally invasive approaches have become more common for both colorectal and hepatic surgeries. This study aimed to investigate outcomes of these combined surgical procedures among different approaches.We retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed as having primary colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases and who underwent 1-stage primary resection and hepatectomy with curative intent in our hospital. According to the surgical approach for the primary tumor and hepatic lesions, namely open laparotomy (Op) or laparoscopic approach (Lap), patients were classified into Op-Op, Lap-Op (laparoscopic colorectal resection plus open hepatectomy), and Lap-Lap groups, respectively. Clinicopathological factors were reviewed, and short- and long-term outcomes were compared among the groups.The Op-Op, Lap-Op, and Lap-Lap groups comprised 36, 18, and 17 patients, respectively. The superior/posterior hepatic segments were more frequently resected via an open approach. There was no laparoscopic major hepatectomy. The median volume of intraoperative blood loss was smaller in the Lap-Lap and Lap-Op groups (290 and 270 mL) than in the Op-Op group (575 mL, P = .008). The hospital stay after surgery was shorter in the Lap-Lap and Lap-Op groups (median: 17 days and 15 days, vs 19 days for the Op-Op group, P = .033). The postoperative complication rates and survivals were similar among the groups.Application of laparoscopy to 1-stage resections of primary colorectal cancer and liver metastases may offer advantages of enhanced recovery from surgical treatment, given appropriate patient selection.

Evolution of Surgical Treatment of Colorectal Liver Metastases in the Real World: Single Center Experience in 1212 Cases

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) has undergone significant evolution thanks to technical improvements as well as oncological advances, which have been the subject of targeted studies aimed at understanding the details of this heterogeneous disease. The purpose of this study is to put together pieces of this complex scenario by providing an overview of the evolution that has occurred in the context of a single center within a multidisciplinary management approach.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2020, 1212 resections for CRLM were performed at the Hepatobiliary Surgery Division of San Raffaele Hospital, Milan. The series was divided into three historical periods, which were compared in terms of disease characteristics and short- and long-term outcomes: Period 1, 2005-2009 (293 cases); Period 2, 2010-2014 (353 cases); Period 3, 2015-2020 (566 cases). The trends for surgical technical complexity, oncological burden of the disease, use of the laparoscopic approach and use of techniques for hepatic hypertrophy were analyzed year by year. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with inclusion to a laparoscopic approach and with long-term prognosis.

RESULTS

The number of resections performed over the years progressively increased, with an increase in the number of cases with a high Clinical Risk Score and a high profile of technical complexity. The proportion of cases performed laparoscopically increased, but less rapidly compared to other malignant tumors. The risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality was similar in the three analyzed periods. Long-term survival, stratified by Clinical Risk Score, improved in Period 3, while overall survival remained unchanged.

CONCLUSION

The cultural background, the maturation of technical expertise and the consolidation of the multidisciplinary team have resulted in safe expansion of the possibility to offer a curative opportunity to patients, while continuously implementing into clinical practice evidence provided by the literature.

Totally laparoscopic simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases: a single-center case series

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study is to analyze the feasibility, the safety and short- and medium-term survival of totally laparoscopic simultaneous resections (LSR) of colorectal cancer (CRC) and synchronous liver metastases (LM).

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of a single-center series. Patients ASA IV, ECOG ≥ 2, major hepatectomies (≥ 3 segments), symptomatic CRC as well as low rectal tumors were excluded from indication. The difficulty level of all liver resections was classified as low or intermediate according to the Iwate Criteria. Dindo-Clavien classification for postoperative complications evaluation was used.

RESULTS

15 Patients with 21 liver lesions were included. Laparoscopic liver surgery was performed first in every case. Median size of the lesions was 20 mm (r 8-69). Major complications (Dindo-Clavien ≥ 3) occurred in 3 patients (20%); median hospital stay was 7 days (r 4-35), and only one patient (6.6%) was readmitted upon the first month from the surgery. 90-day mortality rate was 0%. After a median follow-up of 24 months (r 7-121), disease-free survival at 1, 2 and 3 years was 58%, 36% and 24%, respectively; overall survival at 1, 2 and 3 years was 92.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected patients, LSR of CRC and LM is technically feasible and has an acceptable morbidity rate and mid-term survival.

Trends and outcomes of simultaneous versus staged resection of synchronous colorectal cancer and colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to assess trends in the use as well as the outcomes of patients undergoing simultaneous versus staged resection for synchronous colorectal liver metastases.

METHODS

Patients undergoing resection for colorectal liver metastases between 2008 and 2018 were identified using a multi-institutional database. Trends in use and outcomes of simultaneous resection of colorectal liver metastases were examined over time and compared with that of staged resection after propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Among 1,116 patients undergoing resection for colorectal liver metastases, 690 (61.8%) patients had synchronous disease. Among them, 314 (45.5%) patients underwent simultaneous resection, while 376 (54.5%) had staged resection. The proportion of patients undergoing simultaneous resection for synchronous colorectal liver metastases increased over time (2008: 37.2% vs 2018: 47.4%; p_trend = 0.02). After propensity score matching (n = 201 per group), patients undergoing simultaneous resection for synchronous colorectal liver metastases had a higher incidence of overall (44.8% vs 34.3%; P = .03) and severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥III) (16.9% vs 7.0%; P = .002) yet comparable 90-day mortality (3.5% vs 1.0%; P = .09) compared with patients undergoing staged resection. The incidence of severe morbidity decreased over time (2008: 50% vs 2018: 11.1%; p_trend = 0.02). Survival was comparable among patients undergoing simultaneous versus staged resection of colorectal liver metastases (3-year overall survival: 66.1% vs 62.3%; P = .67). Following simultaneous resection, severe morbidity and mortality increased incrementally based on the extent of liver resection and complexity of colectomy.

CONCLUSION

While simultaneous resection was associated with increased morbidity, the incidence of severe morbidity decreased over time. Long-term survival was comparable after simultaneous resection versus staged resection of colorectal liver metastases.

Perioperative Outcomes Following Combined Versus Isolated Colorectal and Liver Resections: Insights From a Contemporary, National, Propensity Score-Based Analysis

Our objective was to compare outcomes following combined versus isolated resections for metastatic colorectal cancer and/or liver metastases using a large, contemporary national database.

Background

Controversy persists regarding optimal timing of resections in patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases.

Methods

We analyzed 11,814 patients with disseminated colorectal cancer and/or liver metastases who underwent isolated colon, rectal, or liver resections (CRs, RRs, or LRs) or combined colon/liver or rectal/liver resections (CCLRs or CRLRs) in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use File (2011-2015). We examined associations between resection type and outcomes using univariate/multivariate analyses and used propensity adjustment to account for nonrandom receipt of isolated versus combined resections.

Results

Two thousand four hundred thirty-seven (20.6%); 2108 (17.8%); and 6243 (52.8%) patients underwent isolated CR, RR, or LR; 557 (4.7%) and 469 (4.0%) underwent CCLR or CRLR. Three thousand three hundred ninety-five patients (28.7%) had serious complications (SCs). One hundred forty patients (1.2%) died, of which 113 (80.7%) were failure to rescue (FTR). One thousand three hundred eighty-six (11.7%) patients experienced unplanned readmission. After propensity adjustment and controlling for procedural complexity, wound class, and operation year, CCLR/CRLR was independently associated with increased risk of SC, as well as readmission (compared with LR). CCLR was also independently associated with increased risk of FTR and death (compared with LR).

Conclusions

Combined resection uniformly confers increased risk of SC and increased risk of mortality after CCLR; addition of colorectal to LR increases risk of readmission. Combined resections are less safe, and potentially more costly, than isolated resections. Effective strategies to prevent SC after combined resections are warranted.

Simultaneous colorectal and parenchymal-sparing liver resection for advanced colorectal carcinoma with synchronous liver metastases: Between conventional and mini-invasive approaches

The optimal timing of surgery in case of synchronous presentation of colorectal cancer and liver metastases is still under debate. Staged approach, with initial colorectal resection followed by liver resection (LR), or even the reverse, liver-first approach in specific situations, is traditionally preferred. Simultaneous resections, however, represent an appealing strategy, because may have perioperative risks comparable to staged resections in appropriately selected patients, while avoiding a second surgical procedure. In patients with larger or multiple synchronous presentation of colorectal cancer and liver metastases, simultaneous major hepatectomies may determine worse perioperative outcomes, so that parenchymal-sparing LR should represent the most appropriate option whenever feasible. Mini-invasive colorectal surgery has experienced rapid spread in the last decades, while laparoscopic LR has progressed much slower, and is usually reserved for limited tumours in favourable locations. Moreover, mini-invasive parenchymal-sparing LR is more complex, especially for larger or multiple tumours in difficult locations. It remains to be established if simultaneous resections are presently feasible with mini-invasive approaches or if we need further technological advances and surgical expertise, at least for more complex procedures. This review aims to critically analyze the current status and future perspectives of simultaneous resections, and the present role of the available mini-invasive techniques.

Laparoscopic colorectal resection combined with simultaneous thermal ablation or surgical resection of liver metastasis: a retrospective comparative study

Objective: Colorectal liver metastasis is a critical cause of mortality. However, the safety and long-term prognosis of simultaneous colorectal tumor resection along with hepatic lesion ablation are debated. The current analysis was conducted to further clarify the controversy.Methods: In this retrospective study, we collected data of 68 patients who underwent ablation or resection for liver lesions combined with simultaneous laparoscopic primary colorectal tumor resection between September 2011 and October 2016 at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Perioperative outcomes and long-term follow-up data were compared between patients in the resection and ablation groups.Results: Both groups had similar surgical duration (286.70 ± 78.33 vs. 313.67 ± 80.90 min), conversion rate (2 vs. 0), total expenses (81.51 ± 20.20 vs. 82.21 ± 27.81 kRMB, p = .914) and morbidities (11 vs. 24, p = .667). However, the postoperative hospital stays (12.82 ± 9.25 vs. 8.40 ± 2.38 d) and transfusion rates (56.52% vs. 8.89%) were significantly lower in the ablation group. The long-term overall survival (p = .714), disease-free survival (p = .680) and intra-hepatic recurrent-free survival (p = .496) were comparable between both groups.Conclusion: With respect to simultaneous treatment for both primary colorectal cancer and liver metastasis, hepatic lesion ablation was associated with lower blood loss and hospital stay duration than liver resection, without compromising the surgical safety and long-term prognosis.

Simultaneous approach for patients with synchronous colon and rectal liver metastases: Impact of site of primary on postoperative and oncological outcomes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We aimed to investigate the impact of the site of the primary on postoperative and oncological outcomes in patients undergone simultaneous approach for colon (CC) and rectal cancer (RC) with synchronous liver metastases (SCRLM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of the 220 patients with SCRLM operated on between Mar 2006 and Dec 2017, 169 patients (76.8%) were treated by a simultaneous approach and were included in the study. Two groups were considered according to the location of primary tumor RC-Group (n = 47) and CC-group (n = 122).

RESULTS

Multiple liver metastases were observed in 70.2% in RC-Group and 77.0% in CC-Group (p = 0.233), whilst median Tumor Burden Score (TBS) was 4.7 in RC-Group and 5.4 CC-Group (p = 0.276). Severe morbidity (p = 0.315) and mortality at 90 days (p = 0.520) were comparable between RC-Group and CC-Group. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was similar comparing RC-Group and CC-Group (48.2% vs. 45.3%; p = 0.709), but it was significantly different when considering left-CC, right-CC and RC separately (54.5% vs. 35.2% vs. 48.2%; p = 0.041). Primary tumor location (right-CC, p = 0.001; RC, p = 0.002), microscopic residual (R1) disease at the primary (p < 0.001), TBS ≥6 (p = 0.012), bilobar metastases (p = 0.004), and chemotherapy strategy (preoperative ChT, p = 0.253; postoperative ChT, p = 0.012; and perioperative ChT, p < 0.001) resulted to be independent prognostic factors at multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

In patients with SCRLM, simultaneous resection of the primary tumor and liver metastases seems feasible and safe and allows satisfactory oncological outcomes both in CC and RC. Right-CC shows a worse prognosis when compared to left-CC and RC.

Simultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection for primary rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases: results from the PelvEx Collaborative

AIM

At presentation, 15-20% of patients with rectal cancer already have synchronous liver metastases. The aim of this study was to determine the surgical and survival outcomes in patients with advanced rectal cancer who underwent combined pelvic exenteration and liver (oligometastatic) resection.

METHOD

Data from 20 international institutions that performed simultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection between 2007 and 2017 were accumulated. Primarily, we examined perioperative outcomes, morbidity and mortality. We also assessed the impact that margin status had on survival.

RESULTS

Of 128 patients, 72 (56.2%) were men with a median age of 60 years [interquartile range (IQR) 15 years]. The median size of the liver oligometastatic deposits was 2 cm (IQR 1.8 cm). The median duration of surgery was 406 min (IQR 240 min), with a median blood loss of 1090 ml (IQR 2010 ml). A negative resection margin (R0 resection) was achieved in 73.5% of pelvic exenterations and 66.4% of liver resections. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.6%, and 32% of patients had a major postoperative complication. The 5-year overall survival for patients in whom an R0 resection of both primary and metastatic disease was achieved was 54.6% compared with 20% for those with an R1/R2 resection (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection is feasible, with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Simultaneous resection should only be performed where an R0 resection of both pelvic and hepatic disease is anticipated.

Laparoscopic hepatectomy is safe and effective for the management of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases in a population-based analysis in Ontario, Canada. A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) has been deemed safe, and, in the case of minor hepatectomy, the standard of care. Short-, long-term outcomes and costs of LH compared with open hepatectomy (OH) in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases have not been well described at the population level.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer undergoing hepatectomy were included in this population-based retrospective cohort study from 2006- to 2014. Postoperative complications (per Clavien-Dindo) and survival were analyzed using a linear mixed model and Cox-Proportional hazards model respectively. Costs of surgery and the 90-day postoperative period were considered in 2018 Canadian dollars and compared from the perspective of a third-party payer.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 56 months, 95% confidence interval (CI): 51 to 68), there were 2991 hepatectomies (OH: 2551 (85%) and LH: 440 (15%)). LH compared to OH was more common for patients >70 years-old (30% vs. 22%, p = 0.004) and for minor hepatectomy (52% vs. 32%, p < 0.001) respectively. By multivariable analyses, OH was associated with similar 90-day mortality (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.05, 95% CI: 0.56-1.97), and overall survival (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.08, 95% CI: 0.90-1.29), but higher rates of major postoperative complications (OR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.03-1.76), higher cost (median difference $6,163, 95% CI: $3229 to $9096), and longer length of hospital stay (LOS) (mean difference 3.04 days, 95% CI: 2.7 to 3.91).

CONCLUSION

LH was associated with lower postoperative complications, shorter LOS, which translated into lower costs to the healthcare system, without differences in postoperative mortality and survival.

Simultaneous versus staged colorectal and hepatic resections for colorectal cancer with synchronous hepatic metastases: a meta-analysis of outcomes and clinical characteristics

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the comparative outcomes and clinical characteristics of simultaneous and staged colorectal and hepatic resections for colorectal cancer with synchronous hepatic metastases.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of electronic information sources, and bibliographic reference lists. Perioperative morbidity and mortality, anastomotic leak, wound infection, bile leak, bleeding, intra-abdominal abscess, sub-phrenic abscess, reoperation, recurrence, 5-year overall survival, procedure time, and length of hospital stay were the evaluated outcome parameters. Combined overall effect sizes were calculated using random-effects model.

RESULTS

We identified 41 comparative studies reporting a total of 12,081 patients who underwent simultaneous (n = 5013) or staged (n = 7068) resections for colorectal cancer with synchronous hepatic metastases. There were significantly lower use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.003), higher right-sided colonic resections (p < 0.00001), and minor hepatic resections (p < 0.00001) in the simultaneous group. The simultaneous resection was associated with significantly lower rate of bleeding (OR 0.60, p = 0.03) and shorter length of hospital stay (MD - 5.40, p < 0.00001) compared to the staged resection. However, no significant difference was found in perioperative morbidity (OR1.04, p = 0.63), mortality (RD 0.00, p = 0.19), anastomotic leak (RD 0.01, p = 0.33), bile leak (OR 0.83, p = 0.50), wound infection (OR 1.17, p = 0.19), intra-abdominal abscess (RD 0.01, p = 0.26), sub-phrenic abscess (OR 1.26, p = 0.48), reoperation (OR 1.32, p = 0.18), recurrence (OR 1.33, p = 0.10), 5-year overall survival (OR 0.88, p = 0.19), or procedure time (MD - 23.64, p = 041) between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite demonstrating nearly comparable outcomes, the best available evidence (level 2) regarding simultaneous and staged colorectal and hepatic resections for colorectal cancer with synchronous hepatic metastases is associated with major selection bias. It is time to conduct high-quality randomised studies with respect to burden and laterality of disease. We recommend the staged approach for complex cases.

The actual management of colorectal liver metastases

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in the world and between 50% and 60% of patients will develop colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) during the disease. There have been great improvements in the management of CRLM during the last decades. The combination of modern chemotherapeutic and biological systemic treatments with aggressive surgical resection strategies is currently the base for the treatment of patients considered unresectable until few years ago. Furthermore, several new treatments for the local control of CRLM have been developed and are now part of the arsenal of multidisciplinary teams for the treatment of these complex patients. The aim of this review was to summarize and update the management of CRLM, its controversies and relevant evidence.

Survival benefit of surgical resection after first-line triplet chemotherapy and bevacizumab in patients with initially unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection of metastatic disease in patients with initially non-resectable colorectal cancer (CRC) has improved overall survival. Intensified chemotherapy regimens have increased the probability of converting unresectable metastasis to resectable. Here, we report the result of combining intensive chemotherapy (triplet) and surgical resection of metastatic lesions in patients with metastatic CRC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with unresectable metastatic CRC were enrolled in phase I/II trial of triplet chemotherapy consisting of capecitabine, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab. Patients were given 5-8 cycles induction chemotherapy of the above regimen followed by maintenance capecitabine and bevacizumab until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or patient request. All patients were assessed at a multidisciplinary conference for possible surgical resection of their metastatic disease at the time of inclusion in the trial and 2 monthly intervals thereafter. Patients who underwent R0 resection of their metastatic disease received adjuvant oxaliplatin and capecitabine to complete a total of 6 months of chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients were enrolled. The median age was 52 years (range 23-74), 29 (55%) were males, ECOG PS 0-1 was 13 (66%), 11 (42%) had a right-sided tumor, 29 (55%) had resection of their primary tumor, 22 (42%) had a single metastatic site, and 8 (15.1%) had a liver-limited disease. Thirteen patients (24.5%) underwent surgical resection of residual metastatic disease +/- the primary tumor with 10 (18.9%) of them were R0. The surgical group had a higher incidence of males compared to the non-surgical group (69.3% vs 47.2%, p = 0.2), equal performance status, lower median number of metastatic sites (1 vs 2, p = 0.09), higher mutant Kras (53.8% vs 34.2%, p = 0.3), and higher response rate (84.6% vs 56.2%, p = 0.3). With a median follow-up duration of 89 months, the median PFS for the whole group was 16.1 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.1-20] and the median OS was 28.2 months (95% CI 22.5-53.3). The median PFS for the surgery group was 18.9 months (95% CI 12.6-not reached) compared to 9.6 months (95% CI 7.0-18.3) for the non-surgical group, log-rank p = 0.0165. The median OS for both groups was not reached (95% CI 53.3-not reached) and 23.2 months (95% CI 17.0-28.4) respectively, log-rank p = 0.0006. Five-year PFS and OS for the surgery group were 46.2% and 67.6% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with unresectable metastatic CRC and fit for triplet chemotherapy should have the benefit of combining this intensified regimen and surgical resection of their metastatic disease if possible.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov , NCT01311050 , registered March 6, 2011, retrospectively registered.

Simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases; a practice survey

BACKGROUND

We examined surgeon practice intentions and barriers to performing simultaneous resections for colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases.

METHODS

We electronically surveyed North American surgeons who provide colorectal cancer care with a pilot-tested questionnaire. Four clinical scenarios of increasing complexity were presented. Perceived outcomes of and barriers to simultaneous resection were assessed on a 7-point Likert scale. We compared results between general and hepatobiliary surgeons.

RESULTS

Responses (rate 20%, 234/1166) included 50 general and 134 hepatobiliary surgeons. High likelihood scores for support of simultaneous resection among general and hepatobiliary surgeons, respectively, included the following for: minor liver and low complexity colon, 83% and 98% (p < 0.001); minor liver and rectal resection, 57% and 73% (p = 0.042); complex liver and low complexity colon resection, 26% and 24% (p = 0.858); and, complex liver and rectal resection, 11% and 7.0% (p = 0.436). Among hepatobiliary surgeons, the most common barriers to simultaneous resections were patient comorbidities and lung metastases, whereas certain general surgeons additionally identified transfer of care.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeon support for simultaneous resection was high for cases with minor hepatectomy, and low for cases involving major hepatectomy. These results suggest that clinical trials should involve patients with limited disease to evaluate post-operative complications and cost.

Simultaneous versus staged resection for synchronous colorectal liver metastases: A population-based cost analysis in Ontario, Canada - Health economic evaluation

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous compared to staged resection of synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases is considered safe. We aimed to determine their cost implications.

STUDY DESIGN

Population-based cohort was generated by linking administrative healthcare datasets in Ontario, Canada (2006-2014). Resection of colorectal cancer and liver metastases within six months was considered synchronous. Cost analysis was performed from the perspective of a third-party payer. Median costs with range were estimated using the log-normal distribution of cost using t-test with a one-year time horizon.

RESULTS

Among patients undergoing staged resection (n = 678), the estimated median cost was $54,321 CAD (IQR 45,472 to 68,475) and $41,286 CAD (IQR 31,633 to 58,958) for those undergoing simultaneous resection (n = 390), median difference: $13,035 CAD (p < 0.001). Primary cost driver were all costs related to hospitalization for liver and colon resection, which was higher for the staged approach, median difference: $16,346 CAD (p < 0.001). This was mainly due to a longer median length of hospital stay in the staged vs. simultaneous group (11 vs. 8 days, p < 0.001 respectively), which was not attributable to differences in major postoperative complication rates (23% vs. 28%, p = 0.067 respectively). Other costs, including cost of chemotherapy within six months of surgery ($11,681 CAD vs. $8644 CAD, p = 0.074 respectively) and 90-day re-hospitalization cost ($2155 CAD vs. $2931 CAD, p = 0.454 respectively) were similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

Cost of staged resection of synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases is significantly higher compared to the simultaneous approach, mostly driven by a longer length of hospital stay despite similar postoperative complication rates.

Tumor response and outcome after reverse treatment for patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastasis: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

The reverse treatment of patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is a sequential approach with systemic chemotherapy first, followed by liver resection, and finally, primary tumor resection. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, the radiological and pathological tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy, recurrence rates and long-term survival after reverse treatment in a cohort study.

METHODS

Data from patients with CRLM who underwent a reverse treatment from August 2008 to October 2016 were extracted from our prospective hepato-biliary database and retrospectively analyzed for response rates and survival outcomes. Radiological tumor response was assessed by RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumor) criteria and pathological response according to TRG (Tumor Regression Grade). Disease-free and overall survival were estimated with Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

RESULTS

There were 44 patients with 19 rectal and 25 colonic tumors. The reverse treatment was fully completed until primary tumor resection in 41 patients (93%). Radiological assessment after chemotherapy showed 61% of complete/partial response. Pathological tumor response was major or partial in 52% of patients (TRG 1-3). Median disease-free survival after primary tumor resection was 10 months (95% CI 5-15 months). Disease-free survival at 3 and 5 years was 25% and 25%, respectively. Median overall survival was 50 months (95% CI 42-58 months). Overall survival at 3 and 5 years was 59% and 39%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The reverse treatment approach was feasible with a high rate of patients with complete treatment sequence and offers promising long-term survival for selected patients with advanced simultaneous colorectal liver metastases.

Surgical treatment of stage IV colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The ideal treatment approach for colorectal cancer (CRC) with synchronous liver metastases (SCRLM) remains debated. We performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) comparing the 'bowel-first' approach (BFA), simultaneous resection (SIM), and the 'liver-first' approach (LFA).

METHODS

A systematic search of comparative studies in CRC with SCRLM was undertaken using the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases. Outcome measures included postoperative complications, 30- and 90-day mortality, chemotherapy use, treatment completion rate, 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival, and 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS). Pairwise and network meta-analysis were performed to compare strategies. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Higgins I² statistic.

RESULTS

One prospective and 43 retrospective studies reporting on 10 848 patients were included. Patients undergoing the LFA were more likely to have rectal primaries and a higher metastatic load. The SIM approach resulted in a higher risk of major morbidity and 30-day mortality. Compared to the BFA, the LFA more frequently resulted in failure to complete treatment as planned (34% versus 6%). Pairwise and network meta-analysis showed a similar 5-year OS between LFA and BFA and a more favorable 5-year OS after SIM compared to LFA (odds ratio 0.25-0.90, p = 0.02, I² = 0%), but not compared to BFA.

CONCLUSION

Despite a higher tumor load in LFA compared to BFA patients, survival was similar. A lower rate of treatment completion was observed with LFA. Uncertainty remains substantial due to imprecise estimates of treatment effects. In the absence of prospective trials, treatment of stage IV CRC patients should be individually tailored.

A meta-analysis of liver-first versus classical strategy for synchronous colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of liver-first (LFS) and classical (CS) strategy for the management of synchronous colorectal liver metastases (sCRLM).

METHOD

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The odds ratio, weighted mean difference, and 95% confidence interval were evaluated by means of the random-effects model.

RESULTS

Ten articles met the inclusion criteria, incorporating 3656 patients. Patients in the LFS group reported increased size of sCRLM and a higher rate of major hepatectomies. This study reveals comparable overall survival and disease-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years postoperatively between the two strategies. Moreover, the mean operative time, length of hospital stay, the incidence of severe complications, and the 30-day and 90-day mortality were similar between the two groups. The mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly increased in the LFS group.

CONCLUSION

These outcomes suggest that both approaches are feasible and safe. Given the lack of randomized clinical trials, this meta-analysis represents the best currently available evidence. However, the results should be treated with caution given the small number of the included studies. Randomized trials comparing LFS to CS are necessary to further evaluate their outcomes.

Impact of the strategy for curative treatment of synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases

AIM OF THE STUDY

Fourteen to seventeen percent of patients suffering from colorectal cancer have synchronous liver metastases (sCRLM) at the time of diagnosis. There are currently three possible strategies for curative management of sCRLM: "classic", "combined", and "liver-first". The aim of our research was to analyze the effects of the three surgical management strategies for sCRLM on postoperative morbidity and mortality and overall and recurrence-free survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients treated for sCRLM between October 2000 and May 2015 were included. We defined three groups: (1) "classic": surgery of primary tumor and then surgery of sCRLM; (2) "combined": combined surgery of primary tumor and sCRLM: and (3) "liver-first": surgery of sCRLM and then surgery of primary tumor.

RESULTS

During this period, 170 patients who underwent 209 hepatectomies were included ("classic": 149, "combined": 34, "liver-first": 26). The rate of severe complications was higher in the "combined" group compared to the "classic" group (35% vs. 12%, P=0.03), and the "liver-first" group (35% vs. 19%, P=0.25), while there were significantly fewer liver resections. Overall survival at 5 years in our cohort was 46%, without significant differences between the groups, and a median survival of 54 months. Recurrence-free survival of the patients in our cohort was 24% at 5 years, with a median survival time without recurrence of 14 months, without significant differences between the groups.

CONCLUSION

All three strategies were feasible and there were no differences regarding overall and recurrence-free survivals between the three approaches. The "combined" strategy group had significantly more severe complications and did not provide better oncological results, despite less aggressive liver disease and more limited liver resections.

Antitumor immunity of low-dose cyclophosphamide: changes in T cells and cytokines TGF-beta and IL-10 in mice with colon-cancer liver metastasis

BACKGROUND

The tumor immune microenvironment is one of the most important prognostic factors in liver metastasis from colorectal cancer. Low-dose cyclophosphamide (CTX) is widely believed to be involved in the modulation of the immune system. However, the underlying mechanism of low-dose CTX remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the antitumor immunity of low-dose CTX in the treatment of colon-cancer liver metastasis.

METHODS

Thirty mice were randomly divided into five groups. After liver metastasis was established in colon-cancer models, mice in the treatment groups were injected with low-dose CTX (20 mg/kg) at different time points. Liver and spleen tissues were examined for T-cell markers via flow cytometry. Interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 expression levels in liver tissues were analysed by immunohistochemistry. Serum interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-10 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An additional 20 mice were randomly allocated into two groups and the survival times were recorded.

RESULTS

The expression levels of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and IFN-γ were down-regulated, whereas those of IL-10 and TGF-β1 were up-regulated in liver metastasis from colon cancer in mice. Furthermore, the local and systemic microenvironments of the liver were altered, which led to reduced antitumor immune responses and subsequently liver metastasis. However, treatment with low-dose CTX reversed these effects. The survival times of mice treated with low-dose CTX were significantly longer than those of the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose CTX exerts its antitumor activity by changing the systemic and local immune microenvironments and enhancing immune regulation in mice. CTX could be used as a drug to prevent and treat liver metastasis from colon cancer.

Thirty-Day Morbidity after Simultaneous Resection of Colorectal Cancer and Colorectal Liver Metastasis: American College of Surgeons NSQIP Analysis

BACKGROUND

Approximately 20% of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) present with synchronous liver metastases (CRLM). The decision to resect simultaneously or sequentially remains controversial. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether simultaneous resection of CRC and CRLM is associated with increased complications compared to isolated resection.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective data from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) NSQIP, including the ACS NSQIP procedure-specific colectomy and hepatectomy modules from 2014 to 2017, were reviewed in a retrospective cohort study. Primary study outcome was combined 30-day complication rates; secondary outcomes included colectomy and hepatectomy-specific complication. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to control for confounding factors associated with postoperative complication.

RESULTS

A total of 23,643 patients underwent colectomy, 7,462 hepatectomy, and 592 simultaneous resection for CRC and CLRM. Overall morbidity was higher among patients treated with simultaneous resection (29.9%) compared with either isolated colorectal (22.2%) or hepatic resection (17.1%; p < 0.001). Additionally, postoperative ileus (36.4% vs 19.1%) and anastomotic failure (7.9% vs 3.8%) were more common after simultaneous resection compared with colorectal resection (p < 0.05). Similarly, rates of bile leak (8.3% vs 6.2%, p = 0.195) and post-hepatectomy liver failure (8.7% vs 3.8%, p < 0.001) were higher after simultaneous resection compared with isolated hepatectomy. By multivariable logistic regression, simultaneous resection was associated with increased overall complication compared with isolated colon (odds ratio 1.64 [95% CI 1.36 to 1.96]) or liver resection (odds ratio 2.11 [95% CI 1.75 to 2.55]), as well as increased procedure-specific complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Although simultaneous resection offers definitive resection for patients with synchronous CRC and CRLM, it is associated with significantly increased 30-day overall and procedure-specific postoperative morbidity.

Simultaneous versus staged resection for synchronous colorectal liver metastases: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Synchronous liver metastases from colorectal cancer may be resected simultaneously with the primary or as a second staged operation. We evaluated trends of resection for synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases and associated patient outcomes.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study that included patients undergoing resection for synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases from 2006 to 2015 in the province of Ontario, Canada (population 13 million). Simultaneous resections occurred on the same admission, while staged resections occurred less than 6 months apart. Outcomes included postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and overall survival. Kaplan Meier survival estimates, Cox proportional hazard models and logistic regression were used.

RESULTS

Among 2,738 patients undergoing resection for colorectal cancer liver metastases, 1168 (42%) had synchronous disease. Of these, 442 resections were simultaneous (38%) and 776 were staged (62%). The proportion of synchronous disease among patients undergoing resection increased on average 3% per year (p = 0.02). For simultaneous versus staged resection, respectively, median length of hospital stay was shorter (8 vs. 11 days, p < 0.001); rate of major liver resections was lower (17% vs. 65%, p < 0.001), major postoperative complications were similar (28% vs. 23%, p = 0.067), and 90-day post-operative mortality was higher (6% vs. 1%, p < 0.001). Chemotherapy was administered more commonly among patients undergoing staged resections (91% vs. 76%, p < 0.001). Simultaneous resection was associated with a lower median overall survival (40 months, 95%CI 35-46 vs. 78 months, 95%CI 59-86). Risk factors for lower survival included higher comorbidities, right-sided primary and simultaneous resection.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous resection was associated with similar postoperative complications, higher postoperative mortality and poorer long-term survival. Prospective randomized trials can inform the role of simultaneous versus staged resection for synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases.

The safety and feasibility of a single incision in simultaneous resection for patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases

Background

The approach of performing a simultaneous resection for patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases has been lauded universally, but the operation procedures have differences. In general, colorectal lesions are removed laparoscopically; however, some liver metastases cannot be resected under laparoscopy. For these patients, the traditional approach of performing a simultaneous resection which utilizes the inferior abdominal midline incision and the right subcostal incision is preferred. In this study, we assessed the safety and feasibility of the single right subcostal incision approach for patients with either rectal or sigmoid colon cancer and liver metastasis who underwent simultaneous resection.

Methods

A total of 85 patients with rectal or sigmoid colon cancer and liver metastases who underwent simultaneous resection from January 2012 to December 2016 in the Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were identified. Clinicopathological data, as well as operative and perioperative outcomes, were collected and analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Overall, 42 patients were included in this study, 26 (61.9%) patients underwent simultaneous resection with a single surgical incision (right subcostal incision), and 16 (38.1%) underwent simultaneous resection with dual surgical incisions (inferior abdominal midline incision and right subcostal incision). Compared to the dual-incision approach, the single-incision approach had a shorter operation time (328.0 vs. 420.0 min, P=0.006) but had no significant differences in total hospitalization time, postoperative hospitalization time, intraoperative blood loss, time of postoperative drainage tube extraction, time to the first postoperative bowel movement, and postoperative complications (P>0.05).

Conclusions

The single-incision approach (right subcostal incision) is feasible and safe for patients with either sigmoid colon or rectal cancer and liver metastases.

A case report of rectal adenocarcinoma with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma of the liver

Objective

In this case report, we describe our experience with a patient who was treated for rectal adenocarcinoma complicated with primary cholangiocarcinoma of the liver and highlight the problems in the diagnosis and treatment of these potentially fatal lesions.

Methods

In the clinical setting, we often use the concept of “monism” for diagnosis and treatment. In this report, we review the diagnosis and treatment of rectal adenocarcinoma complicated with primary cholangiocarcinoma of the liver.

Results

Four months after surgery, the patient’s carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level was elevated, and positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed multiple liver metastases. The patient underwent three rounds of transarterial chemoembolisation and two rounds of radiofrequency ablation at our hospital for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. The clinical response was poor and indicative of progression of intrahepatic lesions.

Conclusion

A preoperative multidisciplinary team, rapid intraoperative pathological examination, and active comprehensive postoperative treatment are necessary to improve the prognosis of multiple primary tumours.

Which strategy is better for resectable synchronous liver metastasis from colorectal cancer, simultaneous surgery, or staged surgery? Multicenter retrospective analysis

Purpose

The optimal treatment for synchronous liver metastasis (LM) from colorectal cancer (CRC) depends on various factors. The present study was intended to investigate the oncologic outcome according to the time of resection of metastatic lesions.

Methods

Data from patients who underwent treatment with curative intent for primary CRC and synchronous LM between 2004 and 2009 from 9 university hospitals in Korea were collected retrospectively. One hundred forty-three patients underwent simultaneous resection for primary CRC and synchronous LM (simultaneous surgery group), and 65 patients were treated by 2-stage operation (staged surgery group).

Results

The mean follow-up length was 41.2 ± 24.6 months. In the extent of resection for hepatic metastasis, major hepatectomy was more frequently performed in staged surgery group (33.8% vs. 8.4%, P < 0.001). The rate of severe complications of Clavien-Dindo classification grade III or more was not significantly different between the 2 groups. The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 85.0% in staged surgery group and 69.4% in simultaneous surgery group (P = 0.013), and the 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was 46.4% in staged surgery group and 30.2% in simultaneous surgery group (P = 0.143). In subgroup analysis based on the location of primary CRC, the benefit of staged surgery for OS and RFS was clearly shown in rectal cancer (P = 0.021 and P = 0.015).

Conclusion

Based on our results, staged surgery with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be considered for resectable synchronous LM from CRC, especially in rectal cancer, as a safe and fairly promising option.

Simultaneous, Delayed and Liver-First Hepatic Resections for Synchronous Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Background

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses that compare simultaneous, delayed and liver-first approach for synchronous colorectal liver metastases have found no significant differences. The aim of this study was to determine the best treatment strategy on the basis of effect sizes and the probabilities of treatment ranking by using a network meta-analysis. Moreover, first-time pairwise and network meta-analyses were used to estimate the existing evidence, and their results were compared to detect any discrepancies between them.

Methods

Systematic review, pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed. The primary and secondary outcomes were 5-year overall survival and postoperative major morbidity, respectively.

Results

No significant differences in long-term survival and major morbidity were found amongst the three approaches. The hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for 5-year overall survival for the simultaneous, delayed and liver-first approaches were 0.93 (0.69 - 1.24, P = 0.613), 0.97 (0.87 - 1.07, P = 0.596) and 0.90 (0.67 - 1.22, P = 0.499), respectively. Moreover, the liver-first approach with a surface under the cumulative ranking area score of 89% was ranked as the potentially best treatment option based on probabilities of treatment ranking.

Conclusions

On the basis of the relative ranking of treatments, the liver-first approach ranked first, followed by the delayed and simultaneous approaches. Therefore, a three-arm randomized controlled trial that compares the liver-first, simultaneous and delayed approaches needs to shed further light as to which is the best treatment option.

Mini-invasive vs open resection of colorectal cancer and liver metastases: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The safety and feasibility of the simultaneous resection of primary colorectal cancer (CRC) and synchronous colorectal liver metastases (SCRLM) have been demonstrated in some studies. Combined resection is expected to be the optimal strategy for patients with CRC and SCRLM. However, traditional laparotomy is traumatic, and the treatment outcome of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is still obscure.

AIM

To compare the treatment outcomes of MIS and open surgery (OS) for the simultaneous resection of CRC and SCRLM.

METHODS

A systematic search through December 22, 2018 was conducted in electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library). All studies comparing the clinical outcomes of MIS and OS for patients with CRC and SCRLM were included by eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager Software. The quality of the pooled study was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The publication bias was evaluated by a funnel plot and the Begg’s and Egger’s tests. Fixed- and random-effects models were applied according to heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Ten retrospective cohort studies involving 502 patients (216 patients in the MIS group and 286 patients in the OS group) were included in this study. MIS was associated with less intraoperative blood loss [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -130.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): -210.95 to -49.23, P = 0.002] and blood transfusion [odds ratio (OR) = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.29 to 0.95, P = 0.03], faster recovery of intestinal function (WMD = -0.88 d, 95%CI: -1.58 to -0.19, P = 0.01) and diet (WMD = -1.54 d, 95%CI: -2.30 to -0.78, P < 0.0001), shorter length of postoperative hospital stay (WMD = -4.06 d, 95%CI: -5.95 to -2.18, P < 0.0001), and lower rates of surgical complications (OR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.37 to 0.99, P = 0.04). However, the operation time, rates and severity of overall complications, and rates of general complications showed no significant differences between the MIS and OS groups. Moreover, the overall survival and disease-free survival after MIS were equivalent to those after OS.

CONCLUSION

Considering the studies included in this meta-analysis, MIS is a safe and effective alternative technique for the simultaneous resection of CRC and SCRLM. Compared with OS, MIS has less intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion and quicker postoperative recovery. Furthermore, the two groups show equivalent long-term outcomes.