Treatment of colorectal liver metastases with a combination of liver resection and radiofrequency ablation

Introduction. Radiofrequency ablation is a new invasive procedure that is being increasingly used in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases. Resection as the only potential cure for colorectal liver metastases is limited by the size and the itrahepatic localization of lesions. Radiofrequency ablation may extend the limitations of classic surgery. In this work we analyzed the combination of surgical liver resection and radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases. Material and methods. This study included 11 patients with colorectal metastases. Colon resection and radiofrequency ablation have been performed in five (5) patients, three (3) patients underwent liver resection and radiofrequency ablation, and in three (3) patients colon resection, liver resection and radiofrequency ablation were performed. Results. In our study group, there were 6 (54.54%) men and 5 (45.45%) women aged 55 to 66 years and 52 to 67 years of age, respectively. During operations, we treated 30 liver metastases, 2.72 metastases per patient. There were from 2 to 4 ablation metastases. The diameter of colorectal metastases was between 11 mm and 44 mm. Most of ablation metastases (12 or 40%) were between 2.1 cm and 3 cm in diameter. Only 10% of ablation metastases were over 40 mm in diameter. Discussion. The majority of patients with metastatic colorectal hepatic tumors are not candidates for surgical resection, due to tumor size, location and multifocality. However, we can treat advanced colorectal cancers and colorectal liver metastases with a combination of liver resection and radiofreqency ablation. In this way we can operate and give a chance to patients with multifocal metastases and metastases with a diametar over 40 mm. Conclusion A combination of liver resection and radiofreqency ablation in treatment of advanced colorectal cancers with liver metastases is a good treatment modality which increases the number of operable cases.