The role of surgery in the treatment of colorectal metastases from primary skin melanoma

Abstract

The study assessed the role of colorectal surgery in the treatment of metastatic melanoma and identified patients who can most benefit from surgical resection. A retrospective analysis was made of 34 consecutive patients with skin melanoma who underwent surgical resection of large bowel metastasis. The median disease-free interval between diagnosis of the primary and metastatic melanoma was 24 (7-98) months. Nine (27%) patients underwent emergency surgery for obstruction and 25 (73%) had an elective procedure. Resection with curative intent was performed in 14 (41%) and palliative resection in 20 (59%) patients. There was no postoperative mortality and morbidity occurred in 9%. The median survival following surgery was 11.5 (4-68) months. The 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rates were 50%, 32% and 17% respectively. Median survival was significantly increased in patients without extra-abdominal metastases, with no evidence of non-large-bowel metastases, if the disease-free interval was longer than 24 months and when curative resection was performed. In multivariate analysis, an apparently complete or palliative resection and the absence or presence of extra-abdominal metastases were the most important prognostic factors. An aggressive surgical approach to large bowel metastatic melanoma results in good palliation and effective relief of symptoms with acceptable morbidity and mortality.