Anterior and conventional hepatectomy equally safe, effective for colorectal cancer: JAMA

Germany: Anterior approach is not superior to conventional hepatectomy for the reduction of tumor cell dissemination in patients undergoing resection of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM), finds a recent study. The findings of the study, published in the journal JAMA Surgery, suggest that there is no significant difference in postoperative outcome or long-term survival in two techniques and also both are safe.

Tumor relapse is a common unresolved issue that occurs after partial hepatectomy for CRLM. During conventional hepatectomy, intraoperative manipulation of the liver might enhance the spread of hematogenous tumor cell. The anterior approach is an alternative approach that may help in reducing intraoperative tumor cell dissemination. Considering this Nuh N. Rahbari, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, and colleagues determined the safety and efficacy of the anterior approach compared with conventional hepatectomy in patients undergoing resection for CRLM from February 1, 2003, to March 31, 2012, at a tertiary-care hospital.