Meta-analysis of clinical outcome after first and second liver resection for colorectal metastases.
BACKGROUND
The perioperative risk and long-term survival benefit of repeat hepatectomy for patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer, compared with that of a first liver resection, has been reported with varying results in the literature.


METHODS
The literature was searched using Medline, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane databases for all studies published from 1992 to 2006. Two authors independently extracted data using the following outcomes: postoperative complications and mortality; disease recurrence; and long-term survival. Trials were assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Score. Random-effect meta-analytical techniques were used for analysis.


RESULTS
Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 3,741 patients. The use of adjuvant chemotherapy was similar in both groups (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54, 1.74; P = .92), as was the number of hepatic nodules present at the time of first or second resection (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.18; 95% CI = -0.22, 0.57; P = .380). Wedge resection was carried out less often at first hepatectomy (39% vs 46%; OR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.44, 1.00; P = .05). There was significantly less blood loss in patients undergoing first versus second hepatectomy (WMD = 238 ml; 95% CI = 90, 385; P = .002). There was no difference in perioperative morbidity (OR = 1.01; 95% CI = 0.65, 1.55; P = .98), mortality (OR = 1.01; 95% CI = 0.18, 5.72; P = .99) or long-term survival (HR = 0.90; 95% CI = .66, 1.24; P = .530) between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Repeat hepatectomy for patients with colorectal cancer metastases is safe and provides survival benefit equal to that of a first liver resection.
Antoniou
Anthony
A
Imperial College London, Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, St. Mary's Hospital, London, UK.
Lovegrove
Richard E
RE
Tilney
Henry S
HS
Heriot
Alexander G
AG
John
Timothy G
TG
Rees
Myrddin
M
Tekkis
Paris P
PP
Welsh
Fenella K S
FK
D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome