Safety and efficacy of combined resection of colorectal peritoneal and liver metastases

Outcomes of Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) and Liver-Directed Therapy for Synchronous Peritoneal and Liver Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) can improve survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). The presence of synchronous liver metastases (LMs) often precludes patients from CRS/HIPEC; however, multiple studies suggest that CRS/HIPEC with liver-directed treatments may be beneficial. This systematic review examines outcomes and selection factors in CRC patients with PC and LM treated with CRS/HIPEC and liver-directed therapy.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from 2009 to 2024. The outcomes included patient selection factors, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

A total of 482 articles were retrieved, of which 17 retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 988 patients. Liver-directed therapy with CRS/HIPEC for PC and LM was associated with 3- and 5-year OS rates of 47% and 37%, respectively, with a median survival range of 15.3-47.6 months. The adjusted 1- and 3-year DFS rates were 34% and 23%, respectively, with a median DFS range of 6.2-29.4 months. Patients with PC and LM were more likely to have received preoperative systemic therapy (86%), undergone minor liver resection (90%), had a limited burden of LM (mean of three lesions, median size of 1.4-3 cm), and limited PC (mean peritoneal cancer index of 13).

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that CRS/HIPEC with liver-directed therapy can yield favorable survival outcomes for well-selected CRC patients with limited PC and LM. Further trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and refine optimal patient selection.

Treatment and Management of Peritoneal Spread from Colorectal Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis

Peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer (PMCRC) present a complex treatment challenge requiring multidisciplinary expertise. Significant controversy exists regarding the optimal management of PMCRC patients. In this article, we seek to review the currently available evidence and discuss key components of patient workup, treatment, and management.

Combined peritoneal and liver metastases in colorectal cancer: A Dutch nationwide population-based analysis of incidence, treatment and survival

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, treatment patterns, survival and factors associated with curative treatment in colorectal cancer patients with combined liver and peritoneal metastases using Dutch population-based data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry were used. All patients diagnosed with synchronous isolated peritoneal and liver metastasized colorectal adenocarcinoma between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2021 were included. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with receiving curative treatment. Survival rates were calculated for patients undergoing palliative and curative treatment separately.

RESULTS

Of 14627 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma in the study period, 927 patients (6.3 %) had isolated liver and peritoneal metastases and were evaluated in this study. Mean age was 66.9 years, non-mucinous and non-signet-ring cell adenocarcinomas were most prevalent (89.0 %) and tumors were mostly located in the colon (92.1 %). Patients were treated with best supportive care (n = 254, 27,4 %), palliative treatment (n = 618, 66,7 %) or curative treatment (n = 55, 5,9 %). Median OS was 1.5 months, 11.3 months, and 32.6 months, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that younger age (OR 0.95, p < 0.001) and up to 3 liver metastases (OR 0.13, p < 0.001) are positively associated with receiving curative treatment.

CONCLUSION

This population-based study provides a comprehensive overview of the incidence and treatment of patients with synchronous colorectal liver and peritoneal metastases. It shows that in a highly selected group of patients, curative treatment is associated with better overall survival.

Cytoreductive Surgery With Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy and Liver Resection is a Treatment Option for Patients With Peritoneal and Liver Metastases From Colorectal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To study outcomes after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) in patients also treated for colorectal liver metastases (CLM).

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) frequently metastasizes to the liver and peritoneum and is associated with a poor prognosis. In selected patients, a benefit in overall survival (OS) was shown for both peritoneal metastases (PM-CRC) offered CRS-HIPEC, and CLM treated with surgical resection. However, the presence of CLM was considered a relative contraindication to CRS-HIPEC, causing a paucity of outcome data in this patient group.

METHODS

Patients with PM-CRC having CRS-HIPEC at a single national center between 2007 and 2023, with additional intervention for CLM, were included (previous curative treatment for extraperitoneal and extrahepatic metastases was allowed). Three groups were defined: CLM before CRS-HIPEC (pre-CRS-HIPEC), CLM resected simultaneously with CRS-HIPEC (sim-CRS-HIPEC), and CLM after CRS-HIPEC (post-CRS-HIPEC), aiming to retrospectively analyze outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients were included and classified as: pre-CRS-HIPEC (n = 11), sim-CRS-HIPEC (n = 29), and post-CRS-HIPEC (n = 17). Median Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) was 8; 13 patients had severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥3), and no 90-day mortality. Median OS was 48 months after CRS-HIPEC. PCI was a predictor of OS (hazard ratio: 1.11, P < 0.001). We observed no difference in short or long-term outcomes between intervention groups.

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrated that patients with CLM having CRS-HIPEC had comparable OS to reports on CRS-HIPEC only, likely explained by a low PCI. Simultaneous CLM resection did not increase the risk of severe complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In this national cohort, CRS-HIPEC and CLM intervention offers long-term survival, suggesting that this treatment may be offered to selected patients with PM-CRC and CLM.

Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treated with Combined Liver Resection, Cytoreductive Surgery, and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC): Predictive Factors for Early Recurrence

BACKGROUND

Selection of colorectal cancer patients with concomitant peritoneal (PM) and liver metastases (LM) for radical treatment with cytoreductive surgery (CRS), including liver resection and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), needs improvement. This retrospective, monocentric study was designed to evaluate the predictive factors for early recurrence, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) in such patients treated in a referral center.

METHODS

Consecutive colorectal cancer patients with concomitant LM and PM treated with curative intent with perioperative systemic chemotherapy, simultaneous complete CRS, liver resection, and HIPEC in 2011-2022 were included. Clinical, radiological (before and after preoperative chemotherapy), surgical, and pathological data were investigated, along with long-term oncologic outcomes. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictive factors associated with early recurrence (diagnosed <6 months after surgery), DFS, and OS.

RESULTS

Of more than 61 patients included, 31 (47.1%) had pT4 and 27 (40.9%) had pN2 primary tumors. Before preoperative chemotherapy, the median number of LM was 2 (1-4). The median surgical PCI (peritoneal carcinomatosis index) was 3 (5-8.5). The median DFS and OS were 8.15 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.5-10.1) and 34.1 months (95% CI 28.1-53.5), respectively. In multivariate analysis, pT4 (odds ratio [OR] = 4.14 [1.2-16.78], p = 0.032]) and pN2 (OR = 3.7 [1.08-13.86], p = 0.042) status were independently associated with an early recurrence, whereas retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio [HR] = 39 [8.67-175.44], p < 0.001) was independently associated with poor OS.

CONCLUSIONS

In colorectal cancer patients with concomitant PM and LM, an advanced primary tumor (pT4 and/or pN2) was associated with a higher risk of early recurrence following a radical multimodal treatment, whereas RLN metastases was strongly detrimental for OS.

Simultaneous Surgical Approach with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Patients with Concurrent Peritoneal and Liver Metastases of Colon Cancer Origin

Background: Simultaneous liver resection and peritoneal cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) remains controversial today. The aim of the study was to analyze the postoperative outcomes and survival of patients with advanced metastatic colon cancer (peritoneal and/or liver metastases). Methods: Retrospective observational study from a prospective maintained data base. Patients who underwent a simultaneous peritoneal cytoreduction and liver resection plus HIPEC were studied. Postoperative outcomes and overall and disease free survival were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: From January 2010 to October 2022, 22 patients operated with peritoneal and liver metastasis (LR+) were compared with 87 patients operated with peritoneal metastasis alone (LR-). LR+ group presented higher serious morbidity (36.4 vs. 14.9%; p: 0.034). Postoperative mortality did not reach statistical difference. Median overall and disease free survival was similar. Peritoneal carcinomatosis index was the only predictive factor of survival. Conclusions: Simultaneous peritoneal and liver resection is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and hospital stay, but with similar postoperative mortality and OS and disease free survival. These results reflect the evolution of these patients, considered inoperable until recently, and justify the trend to incorporate this surgical strategy within a multimodal therapeutic plan in highly selected patients.

Synchronous liver and peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer: Is cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy combined with liver resection a feasible option?

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, synchronous liver resection (LR), cytoreductive surgery (CRS), and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal liver and peritoneal metastases have been contraindicated. Nowadays, clinical practice has promoted this aggressive treatment in selected cases. This study aimed to review surgical and survival results of an extensive surgical approach including CRS with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and LR.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were matched to find the available literature on this topic. The search period was limited to 10 years (January 2010-January 2021). A threshold of case series of 10 patients or more was applied.

RESULTS

In the search period, out of 114 studies found about liver and peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer, we found 18 papers matching the inclusion criteria. Higher morbidity and mortality were reported for patients who underwent such an extensive surgical approach when compared with patients who underwent only cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. Also, survival rates seem worse in the former than in the latter.

CONCLUSION

The role of combined surgical strategy in patients with synchronous liver and peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer remains controversial. Survival rates and morbidity and mortality seem not in favor of this option. A more accurate selection of patients and more restrictive surgical indications could perhaps help improve results in this subgroup of patients with limited curative options.

Outcomes of Combined Peritoneal and Local Treatment for Patients with Peritoneal and Limited Liver Metastases of Colorectal Origin: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Almost half of all colorectal cancer (CRC) patients will experience metastases at some point, and in the majority of cases, multiple organs will be involved. If the peritoneum is involved in addition to the liver, the current guideline-driven treatment options are limited. The reported overall survival ranges from 6 to 13 months for the current standard of care (systemic treatment). This study aimed to evaluate morbidity and clinical long-term outcomes from a combined local treatment of hepatic metastases with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) used to treat peritoneal metastases.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase.com, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Studies evaluating the clinicopathologic data of patients who had both peritoneal and hepatic metastases treated with CRS-HIPEC were included provided sufficient data on the primary outcomes (overall and disease-free survival) were presented. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS).

Results

Patients treated for peritoneal and liver metastases (PMLM group) had a pooled mean survival of 26.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 22.4–30.4 months), with a 3-year survival rate of 34% (95% CI 26.7–42.0%) and a 5-year survival rate of 25% (95% CI 17.3–33.8%). Surgical complications occurred more frequently for these patients than for those with peritoneal metastasis only (40% vs 22%; p = 0.0014), but the mortality and reoperation rates did not differ significantly.

Conclusion

This systematic review showed that CRS and HIPEC combined with local treatment of limited liver metastasis for selected patients is feasible, although with increased morbidity and an association with a long-term survival rate of 25%, which is unlikely to be achievable with systemic treatment only.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1245/s10434-021-10925-y.

Determination of whether HIPEC is beneficial in patients with synchronous peritoneal and liver metastases from colorectal cancer (Review)

Peritoneal carcinomatosis, as well as the presence of liver metastases from colorectal cancer, has been long considered as the sign of a systemic disease, transforming the patient into a candidate for palliation and best supportive care. However, in recent decades, progress in the field of medical and surgical oncology has allowed scientists worldwide to produce curative therapeutic strategies for these cases such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) or extended liver resection. In addition, the association of these two therapies has also been performed with encouraging results. The aim of the current study was to review articles published thus far in regard to the association of these two therapeutic strategies, in order to identify which cases can benefit the most, which is the most efficient agent or combination of agents, and whether these types of therapy should be performed as monotherapy or as a two-stage procedure.

Quality Standards for Surgery of Colorectal Peritoneal Metastasis After Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

The standardization of surgical outcomes throughout surgical procedures is mandatory. Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC) should provide proficient oncological and surgical outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

The aim of this study was to identify clinically relevant quality indicators and their quality standard, and to determine their acceptable quality limit. A systematic review on cytoreductive results from 2000 to 2018 was performed focusing on clinical guidelines, consensus conferences, and publications. After the selection of quality indicators, a systematic review of indexed references was performed in order to calculate the quality standard for each indicator.

STUDY SELECTION

Unicentric/multicentric series, comparative studies, and clinical trials. Studies were to include outcomes after cytoreduction of colorectal origin and series with more than 50 patients. Quality indicators with at least 10 series were mandatory and objective measurements were also mandatory for inclusion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Quality indicators selected were 1- to 5-year survival, overall disease-free survival, 1- to 5-year disease-free survival, complete surgical resection, duration of surgery, length of stay, overall morbimortality, major morbidity, re-intervention, postoperative hemorrhage, intestinal fistula, anastomotic leakage, wound infection, postoperative medical complications, overall recurrence, and failure to rescue.

RESULTS

The most relevant quality indicators and critical quality limits were overall disease-free survival and 5-year overall disease-free survival (14 months and <10 months, and 14% and <4%, respectively), completeness of surgical resection (89% and <80%, respectively), overall mortality (3% and >8%, respectively), overall morbidity (47% and >63%, respectively), failure to rescue (12% and <30%, respectively), reintervention (13 and <22%, respectively), anastomotic leakage (6% and <13%, respectively), and overall recurrence (60% and <74%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to assess quality standards in CRS + HIPEC for colorectal peritoneal metastases. The current data are of particular relevance for future studies to control the variability of this surgery.

Definition and Prediction of Early Recurrence and Mortality Following Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases: Towards Predicting Oncologic Futility Preoperatively

INTRODUCTION

Early recurrence (ER) is a significant challenge for patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases (CRPM) following cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS HIPEC). Preoperative risk stratification for ER would improve preoperative decision making.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study examining patients who underwent CRS HIPEC for CRPM from 2000 to 2018. Optimal definition of ER was determined via minimum p-value approach based on differentiation of post-recurrence survival. Risk factors for ER were assessed in a derivation cohort by uni- and multivariate logistic regression. A predictive score for ER was generated using preoperative variables and validated in an independent cohort.

RESULTS

384 patients were analyzed, 316 (82%) had documented recurrence. Optimal length of post-operative RFS to distinguish ER (n = 144, 46%) vs. late recurrence (LR) (n = 172, 63%) was 8 mos (p<0.01). ER patients had shorter median OS post-CRS-HIPEC (13.6 vs. 39.4 mos, p<0.01). Preoperative BMI (OR 1.88), liver lesions (OR 1.89), progression on chemotherapy (OR 2.14), positive lymph nodes (OR 2.47) and PCI score (16-20: OR 1.7; >20: OR 4.37) were significant predictors of ER (all p<0.05). Using this model, patients were assigned risk scores from 0 to 9. Intermediate (scores 4-6) and high-risk patients (score 7-9) had observed rates of ER of 56% and 79% and overall 2-year survival rates of 27% and 0% respectively. The model showed fair discrimination (AUC 0.72) and good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow GOF p = 0.68).

CONCLUSIONS

ER predicts markedly worse OS following surgery. Preoperative factors can accurately stratify risk for ER and identify patients in whom CRS-HIPEC for CPRM is futile.

Synchronous Liver Resection, Cytoreductive Surgery, and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Colorectal Liver and Peritoneal Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Synchronous liver resection, cytoreductive surgery, and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal liver and peritoneal metastases have traditionally been contraindicated. More recent clinical practice has begun to promote this aggressive treatment in select patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the perioperative and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, with and without liver resection, in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to July 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Cohort studies comparing outcomes following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with and without liver resection for metastatic colorectal cancer were reviewed. No randomized controlled trials were available.

INTERVENTION

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with or without synchronous liver resection were compared.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measures were perioperative mortality and major morbidity. Secondary outcomes included 3- and 5-year overall survival and 1- and 3-year disease-free survival.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies fitted the inclusion criteria, with 8 studies included in the meta-analysis. On pooled analysis, there was no significant difference in perioperative morbidity and mortality between the two groups. Patients that underwent concomitant liver resection had worse 1- and 3-year disease-free survival and 3- and 5-year overall survival.

LIMITATIONS

Only a limited number of studies were available, with a moderate degree of heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of synchronous liver resection to cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the treatment of resectable metastatic colorectal cancer was not associated with increased perioperative major morbidity and mortality in comparison with cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy alone. However, the presence of liver metastases was associated with inferior disease-free and overall survival. These data support the continued practice of liver resection, cytoreductive surgery, and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the management of select patients with such stage IV disease.

A novel preoperative risk score to optimize patient selection for performing concomitant liver resection with cytoreductive surgery/HIPEC

BACKGROUND

While parenchymal hepatic metastases were previously considered a contraindication to cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), liver resection (LR) is increasingly performed with CRS/HIPEC.

METHODS

Patients from the US HIPEC Collaborative (2000-2017) with invasive appendiceal or colorectal adenocarcinoma undergoing primary, curative intent CRS/HIPEC with CC0-1 resection were included. LR was defined as a formal parenchymal resection. Primary endpoints were postoperative complications and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

A total of 658 patients were included. About 83 (15%) underwent LR of colorectal (58%) or invasive appendiceal (42%) metastases. LR patients had more complications (81% vs. 60%; p = .001), greater number of complications (2.3 vs. 1.5; p < .001) per patient and required more reoperations (22% vs. 11%; p = .007) and readmissions (39% vs. 25%; p = .014) than non-LR patients. LR patients had decreased OS (2-year OS 62% vs. 79%, p < .001), even when accounting for peritoneal carcinomatosis index and histology type. Preoperative factors associated with decreased OS on multivariable analysis in LR patients included age < 60 years (HR, 3.61; 95% CI, 1.10-11.81), colorectal histology (HR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.69-12.65), and multiple liver tumors (HR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.21-9.85) (all p < .05). When assigning one point for each factor, there was an incremental decrease in 2-year survival as the risk score increased from 0 to 3 (0: 100%; 1: 91%; 2: 58%; 3: 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

As CRS/HIPEC + LR has become more common, we created a simple risk score to stratify patients considered for CRS/HIPEC + LR. These data aid in striking the balance between an increased perioperative complication profile with the potential for improvement in OS.

Clinical outcomes of curative treatment for colorectal liver metastases combined with cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) with synchronous peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) and liver metastases (LM) remains controversial. We aimed to investigate clinical outcomes in patients with CRC and concomitant PC and LM who had undergone curative surgery, including resections at both metastatic sites and synchronous intraabdominal chemotherapy.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for eligible studies. Studies focusing on the clinical effects of curative surgery and synchronous intraabdominal chemotherapy for patients with CRC and concomitant PC and LM were included. Meta-analysis results were recorded as hazard ratios (HRs), risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences.

RESULTS

We included 9 of 998 identified studies in the meta-analysis, involving 746 patients (221 patients with PC + LM, 525 patients with PC). Overall survival (pooled HR 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33-2.13, p < 0.01) and disease-free survival (pooled HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.51-2.20, p < 0.01) were both lower in patients with PC + LM. A higher recurrence rate (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04-1.44, p = 0.02) and major postoperative morbidity (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.19-1.82, p < 0.01) were also observed in patients with PC + LM.

CONCLUSION

Liver resection in combination with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for patients with CRC and synchronous hepatic and peritoneal metastases may be associated with worse survival and higher morbidity compared with patients with isolated PC. More restricted patient inclusion criteria should be established to facilitate an optimal prognosis for this patient group.

Clinical outcomes of complete cytoreduction with concurrent liver resection followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for synchronous peritoneal and liver metastatic colorectal cancer

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of concurrent liver resection with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients with synchronous liver and peritoneal metastases.

Methods

Patients with colorectal liver and peritoneal metastasis who underwent complete cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with concurrent liver surgery between September 2014 and July 2018 were included. Perioperative outcomes, overall survival, and progression-free survival were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

In total, 22 patients were included. The median peritoneal cancer index was 13 (range, 0–26), and the median number of liver metastases was 3 (range, 1–13). The mean total operative time was 11.4 ± 2.6 h. Minor postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade I–II) were reported in 10 patients (45.5%), and major postoperative complications (grade III–V) were reported in five patients (22.7%), including one mortality patient. The median overall survival since diagnosis with metastasis was 27.4 months. The median overall survival since surgical intervention and the progression-free survival were 16.7 months and 7.1 months, respectively.

Conclusions

This short-term follow-up study showed that, in an experienced center, combined resection with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal liver and peritoneal metastases was feasible and safe with acceptable oncologic outcomes.

Severity and incidence of complications assessed by the Clavien-Dindo classification following robotic and laparoscopic gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer: a retrospective and propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted gastrectomy (RAG) has been increasingly used for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer (AGC), and many advantages over laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) have been reported. However, its postgastrectomy complications still under investigation and the results remain controversial. This study aimed to objectively assess the incidence and severity of complications following RAG vs. LAG using Clavien-Dindo (C-D) classification and to identify risk factors related to complications.

METHODS

Five hundred and twenty-seven patients with AGC who underwent RAG or LAG between January 2016 and May 2018 were enrolled in this study. Complications were categorized according to the C-D classification. The complications following RAG and LAG were compared using one-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) analysis and subgroup analyses. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors related to complications.

RESULTS

RAG was performed in 251 patients (47.6%) and LAG in 276 patients (52.4%). Before PSM, the RAG group had a smaller tumour size (P = 0.004) and less patients with previous abdominal operation (P = 0.013). After PSM, a well-balanced cohort of 446 patients (223 in each group) was further analyzed. Of interest, the incidence of overall and severe complications (C-D grade ≥ IIIa) following the RAG group were significantly fewer than the LAG group (overall, 24.5% vs. 18.8%, P < 0.001; severe, 8.9% vs. 17.5%, P = 0.002). Subgroup analyses showed statistically significant difference were also observed in most stratified parameters. Multivariable analysis identified age ≥ 65 years, total gastrectomy, stage T3-T4a, stage II-III, and operation time ≥ 250 min as independent predictors of overall complications. Additionally, age ≥ 65 years, stage II-III, and operation time ≥ 250 min were confirmed as independent risk factors for severe complications.

CONCLUSIONS

RAG with D2 lymphadenectomy is feasible and safe for the treatment of AGC in terms of the lower incidence and severity of complications.

Impact of Synchronous Liver Resection on the Perioperative Outcomes of Patients Undergoing CRS-HIPEC

BACKGROUND

While liver resection (LR) and cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are commonly performed for hepatic and peritoneal metastases, respectively, the safety of synchronous LR and CRS-HIPEC has not been established.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) databases from 2005 to 2016 were used to identify patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC. Demographic, clinical, and perioperative outcomes were compared among patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC with and without synchronous LR.

RESULTS

Among 1168 patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC, 100 (8.6%) underwent synchronous LR and 1068 (91.4%) did not. The most common primary diagnosis was unspecified (65.3%) followed by appendix (16.0%) and colorectal (12.5%). Among patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC plus LR, the majority had a partial hepatectomy (96.0%), while a small subset underwent trisegmentectomy (2.0%) or hemihepatectomy (2.0%). Patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC plus LR underwent a greater number of operative procedures (8.3 ± 2.5 vs 6.7 ± 2.5, p < 0.001), had a longer operative time (520.7 ± 155.3 vs 454.6 ± 160.7 min, p = 0.001), had a longer hospital length of stay (16.7 ± 15.6 vs 11.1 ± 11.5 days, p < 0.001), were more likely to require reoperation (13.0 vs 6.9%, p = 0.03), and experienced greater 30-day morbidity (47.0 vs 27.4%, p < 0.001), but not mortality (3.0 vs 1.4%, p = 0.22). On multivariate logistic regression, LR was strongly associated with increased risk of postoperative morbidity even after controlling for potential confounders (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.03-2.64).

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous LR and CRS-HIPEC was associated with increased operative time, length of hospital stay, reoperation, and postoperative morbidity compared to CRS-HIPEC alone. For patients with synchronous hepatic and peritoneal metastases, a staged operative approach should be considered.

[Surgical treatment of peritoneal metastases of colorectal cancer]

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) may significantly improve overall survival in selected patients with peritoneal metastases of colorectal cancer. For good oncological results complete macroscopic cytoreduction is crucial; furthermore, a linear correlation between peritoneal tumor load, as determined by the peritoneal cancer index (PCI) and overall survival has been demonstrated; therefore, surgical treatment should be initiated as early as possible. Synchronous resection of up to three liver metastases may be performed safely and with good results and no influence on the morbidity. With respect to intraperitoneal chemotherapy, mitomycin C and oxaliplatin are most commonly used and may be regarded as equal; however, for perioperative chemotherapy study results are so far inconclusive with some trials hinting at decreased overall survival following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant therapy is likely to improve overall survival if at least 6 cycles are applied. Early detection of peritoneal metastases is difficult at present but might be facilitated in the future by the use of liquid biopsies, which may detect circulating free tumor-specific DNA or RNA. In the meantime, planned second-look laparotomy should be considered for patients at high risk of peritoneal recurrence. In addition, several international studies are currently evaluating the concept of adjuvant or prophylactic HIPEC. The CRS and HIPEC may be repeated in cases of recurrence and should be considered in suitable patients, applying the same criteria as for primary CRS and HIPEC. A recurrence-free interval of >2 years is associated with a significantly better prognosis.