Purpose: Laparoscopic hepatectomy is not a well-established treatment modality for colorectal liver metastases. Moreover, most reports have been limited to tumors in the anterolateral segments (segments 2, 3, 4b, 5, and 6). In this study we evaluated the short- and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases located in all segments, including tumors located in the posterosuperior segments (segments 1, 4a, 7, and 8).
Methods: This retrospective study included 102 patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases with radical intent between January 2009 and January 2016. The patients were divided into two groups (anterolateral and posterosuperior group) according to tumor location. The clinical and follow-up data of the two groups were reviewed.
Results: There was no 30-day postoperative mortality. Most of the postoperative 30-day complications were classified as minor complications (Clavien-Dindo classification). There was no difference in clinicopathologic characteristics between the two groups. Although posterosuperior group patients had significantly longer operative time (p=0.008) and postoperative hospital stay duration (p=0.041), as well as a greater blood loss (p=0.012), there was no significant difference in the rate and severity of postoperative complications (p=0.314 and 1.000 respectively). During a median follow-up of 41 months, the 5-year overall survival (OS) (p=0.449), and disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.370) showed no significant difference between the two groups.
Conclusions: Laparoscopic hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases located in all segments of the liver can be safely performed in selected patients, with acceptable postoperative morbidity and oncologic results.