In a nutshell
This study investigated the impact of laparoscopic (LPS) compared with open surgery on colorectal liver metastasis (when cancer spreads to the liver). Researchers suggested that LPS is a safe option to treat liver metastasis in colorectal cancer patients.
Some background
The liver is the most common site of colorectal cancer metastasis. The standard treatment for liver metastasis is open surgery (one large incision). LPS is a less invasive type of surgery that involves multiple small incisions (cuts) in the skin. Prior studies showed that LPS surgery was beneficial for liver treatment and recovery. However, there are risks associated with liver LPS.
Prior studies investigating the impact of liver LPS surgery compared to open surgery are not conclusive.
Methods & findings
The objective of this study was to investigate the outcomes of liver metastasis after LPS when compared to open surgery.
This study included information on 4697 patients, 1809 LPS patients and 2888 open surgery patients. LPS showed a 64% improvement in the rates of clear tumor margins (when the cancer is totally removed). However no differences were seen in the tumor recurrence (when the cancer comes back) and in the overall survival rates.
LPS surgery showed a longer operation time, less blood loss and shorter hospital stays. The odds of needing a blood transfusion were 59% lower with LPS surgery compared to open surgery. The odds of post-surgery complications were 36% lower.
The bottom line
This study determind that LPS liver surgery is a safe treatment option with less post-surgery complications.
What’s next?
Discuss the possibility of LPS liver surgery with your doctor
Published By :
Scientific reports
Date :
Apr 21, 2017
