Liver Resections in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancers most frequently metastasize to the liver. This metastasis occurs using venous drainage through the portal vein to the liver. However, the tumors of the areas where rectal drainage is through systemic venous flow frequently metastasize to the lungs. Radiological imaging is used for diagnosis. The treatment for liver metastasis of colorectal cancers is done by a multi-disciplinary approach. There are various treatment choices as interventional radiological procedures, chemotherapy and surgery; the use of which depends on the general condition of the patient and metastatic tumor location in the liver. The general tendency is to resect the liver metastasis if it is possible. In this chapter, the liver metastases of colorectal cancers, indications and contraindications for surgery will be discussed, and some explanations on surgical treatment will be given.