Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes associated with simultaneous resections compared to patients undergoing sequential resections for synchronous colorectal liver metastases.
Method: Consecutive patients undergoing hepatic resections between 2000 and 2012 for synchronous colorectal liver metastases were identified from a prospectively maintained database.
Results: Of the 112 hepatic resections that were performed, 36 were simultaneous resections and 76 were sequential resections. There was no difference in disease severity: number of metastases (P 0.228), metastatic size (P 0.58), the primary tumour nodal status (P 0.283), CEA (P 0.387) or the presence of extra-hepatic metastases (P 1.0). Major hepatic resections were performed in 23 (64%) and 60 (79%) of patients in the simultaneous and sequential groups respectively (P 0.089). Intra-operatively no differences were found in blood loss (P 1.0), duration of surgery (P 0.284) or number of adverse events (P 1.0). There were no differences in post-operative complications (P 0.161) or post-operative mortality (P 0.241). The length of hospital stay was 14 (95% CI 12.0-18.0) and 18.5 (95% CI 16.0-23.0) days in the simultaneous and sequential groups respectively (P 0.03). The 3-year overall survival was 75% and 64% in the simultaneous and sequential groups respectively (P 0.379). The 3-year hepatic recurrence free survival was 61% and 46% in the simultaneous and sequential groups respectively (P 0.254).
Conclusion: Simultaneous resections result in similar short-term and long-term outcomes as patients receiving sequential resections with comparable metastatic disease and are associated with a significant reduction in the length of stay.
Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Sequential resections; Simultaneous resections; Synchronous colorectal liver metastases.
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