title: Short and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic compared to open liver resection for colorectal liver metastases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is now established as standard of care for a variety of gastrointestinal procedures for benign and malignant indications. However, due to concerns regarding superiority to open liver resection (OLR), the uptake of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has been slow. Data on long-term outcomes of LLR for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remain limited. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of short and long-term outcomes of LLR compared to OLR for CRLM.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five electronic databases were systematically searched for studies comparing LLR and OLR for CRLM and reporting on survival outcomes. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS). Secondary outcomes were operative time, estimated blood loss, post-operative major morbidity, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and resection margins.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight non-randomized studies (NRS) were included (n=2,017 total patients). Six were matched cohort studies. LLR reduced estimated blood loss [mean difference: -108.9; 95% confidence interval (CI), -214.0 to -3.7) and major morbidity [relative risk (RR): 0.68; 95% CI, 0.56-0.83], but not mortality. No difference was observed in operative time, LOS, resection margins, R0 resections, and recurrence. Survival data could not be pooled. No studies reported inferior survival with LLR. OS varied from 36% to 60% for LLR and 37% to 65% for OLR. RFS ranged from 14% to 30% for LLR and 22% to 38% for OLR. According to the grade classification, the strength of evidence was low to very low for all outcomes. The use of parenchymal sparing resections with LLR and OLR could not be assessed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on limited retrospective evidence, LLR offers reduced morbidity and blood loss compared to OLR for CRLM. Comparable oncologic outcomes can be achieved. Although LLR cannot be considered as standard of care for CRLM, it is beneficial for well-selected patients and lesions. Therefore, LLR should be part of the liver surgeon's armamentarium.
authors: Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) de Strasbourg, Institute for Minimally Hybrid Invasive Image-Guided Surgery, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France;; Institut de Recherche sur les Cancers de l'Appareil Digestif (IRCAD), Strasbourg, France;; Division of General Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre-Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Hallet
authors: Division of General Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre-Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada ;
authors: Kaitlyn
authors: K
authors: Beyfuss
authors: Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) de Strasbourg, Institute for Minimally Hybrid Invasive Image-Guided Surgery, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France;; Institut de Recherche sur les Cancers de l'Appareil Digestif (IRCAD), Strasbourg, France;; General Digestive and Endocrine Surgery Service, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France.
authors: Riccardo
authors: R
authors: Memeo
authors: Division of General Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre-Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;
authors: Paul J
authors: PJ
authors: Karanicolas
authors: Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) de Strasbourg, Institute for Minimally Hybrid Invasive Image-Guided Surgery, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France;; Institut de Recherche sur les Cancers de l'Appareil Digestif (IRCAD), Strasbourg, France;
authors: Jacques
authors: J
authors: Marescaux
authors: Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) de Strasbourg, Institute for Minimally Hybrid Invasive Image-Guided Surgery, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France;; Institut de Recherche sur les Cancers de l'Appareil Digestif (IRCAD), Strasbourg, France;; General Digestive and Endocrine Surgery Service, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France.
authors: Patrick
authors: P
authors: Pessaux
keywords: Colorectal; laparoscopy; liver; metastases; surgery