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Referral patterns of patients with liver metastases due to colorectal cancer for resection

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International Journal of Colorectal Disease Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

Colorectal carcinoma accounts for 10% of cancer deaths in the Western World, with the liver being the most common site of distant metastases. Resection of liver metastases is the treatment of choice, with a 5-year survival rate of 35%. However, only 5–10% of patients are suitable for resection at presentation.

Aims

To examine the referral pattern of patients with liver metastases to a specialist hepatic unit for resection.

Methodology

Retrospective review of patient’s charts diagnosed with colorectal liver metastases over a 10-year period.

Results

One hundred nine (38 women, 71 men) patients with liver metastases were included, mean age 61 years; 79 and 30 patients had synchronous and metachronus metastases, respectively. Ten criteria for referral were identified; the referral rate was 8.25%, with a resection rate of 0.9%. Forty two percent of the patients had palliative chemotherapy; 42% had symptomatic treatment.

Conclusion

This study highlights the advanced stage of colorectal cancer at presentation; in light of modern evidence-based, centre-oriented therapy of liver metastasis, we conclude that criteria of referral for resection should be based on the availability of treatment modalities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Surgery, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co., Louth, Ireland

    O. Al-Sahaf, Ammar Al-Khudairy, Mohammad Z. Fauzi, Sherif El-Masry & Peter Gilen

  2. Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland

    Dhafir Al-Azawi

Authors
  1. O. Al-Sahaf
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  2. Dhafir Al-Azawi
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  3. Ammar Al-Khudairy
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  4. Mohammad Z. Fauzi
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  5. Sherif El-Masry
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  6. Peter Gilen
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Correspondence to O. Al-Sahaf.

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Al-Sahaf, O., Al-Azawi, D., Al-Khudairy, A. et al. Referral patterns of patients with liver metastases due to colorectal cancer for resection. Int J Colorectal Dis 24, 79–82 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-008-0561-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-008-0561-6

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