Liver resection for colorectal cancer metastases: a comparison of outcomes over time in South Australia

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of the current study was to assess outcomes following liver resection in metastatic CRC (mCRC) in South Australia across two study periods (pre-2006 versus post-2006). MethodsThe South Australian (SA) Clinical Registry for mCRC maintains data prospectively on all patients in SA with mCRC diagnosed from 01 February 2006. This data was linked with a prospectively collated database on liver resections for mCRC from 01/01/1992 to 01/02/2006. The primary end point was overall survival. Results757 patients underwent liver resection for mCRC. Liver resection was performed on 286 patients pre-2006 and 471 patients post-2006. The median age of the study population was 62 years, and this was similar across both eras. Overall survival was significantly better in the post-2006 era (hazard ratio HR = 0.45, p = 0.001). Complications (59% pre-2006 versus 23% post-2006) and transfusion rates (34% pre-2006 versus 2% post-2006) were significantly higher in the pre-2006 era. Repeat liver resection rates were significantly higher in the post-2006 era (1% pre-2006 versus 10% post-2006). ConclusionsOutcomes following liver resection for mCRC have improved over time, with significantly better overall survival in the post-2006 era compared to pre-2006.