This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Long‐term results of treating hepatic colorectal metastases with cryosurgery. BJS 2001; 88: 844-849.
Published: 4th December 2002
Authors: T. J. M. Ruers, J. Joosten, G. J. Jager, T. Wobbes
Background
The purpose of this study was to determine the long‐term efficacy of cryosurgery as an adjunct to hepatic resection in patients with colorectal liver metastases not amenable to resection alone.
Method
Thirty patients met the following inclusion criteria: metastases confined to the liver and judged irresectable, ten or fewer metastases, cryosurgery alone or in combination with hepatic resection allowed tumour clearance.
Results
Median follow‐up was 26 (range 9–73) months. Overall 1‐ and 2‐year survival rates were 76 and 61 per cent respectively. Median survival was 32 months. Disease‐free survival at 1 year was 35 per cent, at 2 years 7 per cent. Six patients developed recurrence at the site of cryosurgery; given that the total number of cryosurgery‐treated lesions was 69 the local recurrence rate was 9 per cent.
Conclusion
In patients with colorectal liver metastases, local ablative techniques can be used as an effective adjunct to hepatic resection to obtain tumour clearance. © 2001 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd
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