Evolution of Long-Term Outcome of Liver Resection for Colorectal Metastases: Analysis of Actual 5-Year Survival Rates over Two Decades

Background Liver resection (LR) is the only potentially curative treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Its outcome over the past 2 decades was studied using actual 5-year survival rates. Methods Data of 393 consecutive patients who underwent LR for CRLM at Mauriziano Umberto I (Turin) until June 2005 were analyzed. Excluding R2 resections ( n = 4) or incomplete 5-year follow-up ( n = 13), 376 patients were divided according to LR date into groups A (before 1995: 90 patients), B (1995–2000: 94 patients), C (2001–2005: 192). Results Group C presented increased multiple and bilobar metastases compared with combined group A and B (C vs AB: 54.7% vs 40.2%, P = 0.005; 28.1% vs 19.0%, P = 0.038, respectively), decreased metastases diameter (C vs AB: 32 vs 40 mm, P = 0.0001). The 5-year overall survival, calculated excluding 4 operative mortalities (group AB), increased over the years (A, 20.5%; B, 32.6%; C, 46.4%; P