Liver resection for metastatic gastric cancer

Abstract Aims Liver resection represents a curative treatment approach in patients suffering from liver metastases from gastric cancer. However, its value in the treatment of these patients remains controversial. This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of liver resection in these conditions and to identify criteria for the selection of suitable patients. Methods From January 1988 to December 2002, 24 patients underwent liver resection for metastatic gastric cancer. The outcome of these 24 patients was retrospectively reviewed using a prospective database. Patient, tumour and operative parameters were analyzed for their influence on long-term survival. Results One patient died and four patients (17%) developed complications during the postoperative course. The overall one-, three- and five-year survival was 38%, 16% and 10%, respectively. After curative resection ( n  = 17), the one-, three- and five-year survival rate was 53%, 22% and 15%, respectively, and patients with metachronous metastases restricted to the liver ( n  = 5) had a one-, three- and five-year survival of 80%, 40% and 40%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, extrahepatic manifestation showed in tendency ( p  = 0.069) and resection margins statistically significant ( p  = 0.005) influence on survival. The multivariate analysis revealed only resection margins as an independent prognostic factor for survival. Conclusions Long-term survival can be achieved by liver resection in well selected patients and may be considered in the multidisciplinary treatment approach of metastatic gastric cancer. Patients with metastatic disease restricted to the liver in whom a curative resection can be achieved seem to be most suitable for liver resection.