Analysis of liver metastasis after resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the risk factors affecting the liver metastasis (LM) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) after resection.


METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed 101 PDAC patients who underwent surgical resection at the Samsung Medical Center between January 2000 and December 2004. Forty one patients with LM were analyzed for the time of metastasis, prognostic factors affecting LM, and survival.


RESULTS
LM was found in 40.6%. The median time of the LM (n = 41) was 6.0 ± 4.6 mo and most LM occurred within 1 year. In univariate analysis, tumor size, preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9, and perineural invasion were factors affecting LM after resection. In multivariate analysis, tumor size was the most important factor for LM. In univariate analysis, tumor cell differentiation was significant to LM in low-risk groups.


CONCLUSIONS
LM after resection of PDAC occurs early and shows poor survival. Tumor size is the key indicator for LM after resection.
Kwang Yeol Paik, Department of Surgery, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University, College of Medicine, # 62 Yeouido-dong,Yeongdeungpo-gu, 150-713 Seoul, South Korea.
Kwang Yeol
KY
Paik
Seong Ho
SH
Choi
Jin Seok
JS
Heo
Dong Wook
DW
Choi