Detecting curable disease following hepatectomy for colorectal metastases.
BACKGROUND
Although resection may be curative for patients with hepatic colorectal metastases, recurrence occurs in the majority. Recurrence is occasionally amenable to repeated resection. The aim of the present study was to evaluate which modalities, at what intervals, detected potentially curable resection.


METHODS
The records of patients undergoing hepatectomy for colorectal metastases over 10 years in one centre were retrospectively reviewed to determine when and how recurrence was diagnosed. Specific attention was paid to the detection of potentially curable disease.


RESULTS
Of 41 recurrences, 22 occurred in the first year postoperatively, 21 of which were suitable for palliative treatment only. Ten of 19 recurrences occurring after 1 year underwent potentially curative intervention, 10 were diagnosed by computed tomography (CT). Carcinoembryonic antigen did not diagnose any curable recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
A follow-up protocol is proposed, based on annual CT.
Metcalfe
Matthew
M
University of Adelaide Department of Surgery, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia, Australia.
Mann
Chris
C
Mullin
Emma
E
Maddern
Guy
G
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen / Q000097:blood; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen