Simultaneous microwave ablation and liver resection in patients with colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative microwave ablation (MWA) can be used simultaneously with liver resection in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) with curative intent. It is uncertain whether this treatment concept is limited by the number of intraoperative MWAs or the number of CLMs. This study was performed to investigate whether the number of CLMs and intraoperative MWAs is associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

METHODS

Patients with CLM who underwent both liver resection and intraoperative MWA between 1.1.2010 and 1.9.2020 were examined. The influence of the number of MWAs and CLMs on OS and RFS was assessed.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients were examined. The sex ratio (m:f) was 48:27. The median age was 61 years (range 34-86). The number of MWAs and CLMs was not associated with OS or RFS. Only adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with OS (HR 0.14 (0.04, 0.45), P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The number of intraoperative MWAs and CLMs did not influence clinical outcomes. Liver resection and intraoperative MWA can be recommended to all patients regardless of the number of MWAs and CLMs, based on the findings of this study. Adjuvant chemotherapy emerges as a critical component of this multidisciplinary treatment strategy.