Background/aims: After primary liver surgery a recurrence of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) occurs in 45-80% of patients. Without the possibility of further surgical treatment, most of these patients die within 1 year. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of repeated liver procedures for recurrent CRLM.
Methodology: The authors operated on a total of 151 patients with CRLM from January 1, 2000 to November 1, 2005. Repeated procedures were performed on 24 patients in the interval 6-37 months after primary liver surgery. A total of 51 procedures were performed. Long-term results were compared with the group of patients (N = 127) where only one type of liver procedure was performed.
Results: 30-day postoperative mortality (N = 24) was zero. 83.3%, 64.8% and 34.3% of patients survived 1.2 and 3 years after the repeated procedures. Disease-free interval (DFI) was 32.1%, 5.3% and 0% for 1, 2 and 3 years. 30-day postoperative mortality (N = 127) was 0.8%. 76.6%, 51.9%, 31.9% survived 1, 2 and 3 years after the liver procedures (p < 0.08). DFI in this group of patients for 1, 2 and 3 years was 57.9%, 35.1% and 17.7% (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions: Repeated liver procedures are fully indicated. They significantly prolong the life of patients with CRLM recurrence.