Factors of oncological failure in two stage hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases

Background: Two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) has increased the chance of surgical resections for bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Nevertheless, drop-out between stages and early recurrence rates raise the question of surgical futility in some situations. This study aimed to identify factors of TSH oncological failure. Methods: Patients with bilobar CRLM eligible for TSH in three tertiary centers between 2010 and 2021 were included, and divided in Failure and Success groups. Oncological failure was defined as failure of the second stage hepatectomy for tumor progression or recurrence within 6 months after resection. Results: Among 95 patients, 18 (18.9%) had hepatic progression between the two stages, and 7 (7.4%) failed to complete the second stage hepatectomy. After TSH, 31 (32.6%) patients experienced early recurrence. Overall, 38 (40.0%) patients experienced oncological failure (Failure group). The Failure group had lower median DFS (3 vs. 32 months, p < 0.001) and median OS (29 vs. 70 months, p = 0.045) than the Success group. On multivariable analysis, progression between the two stages in the future liver remnant (OR = 15.0 (3.22-113.0), p = 0.002), and maximal tumor size >40 mm in the future liver remnant (OR = 13.1 (2.12-117.0), p = 0.009) were independent factors of oncological failure. Conclusion: Recurrence between the two stages and maximal tumor size >= 40 mm in the future liver remnant were associated with TSH failure for patients with bilobar CRLM.

Automated summary

This study identified recurrence between the two stages and a larger tumor size in the future liver remnant as critical factors contributing to the failure of two-stage hepatectomy for bilobar colorectal liver metastases. These findings have important clinical implications for the selection and evaluation of TSH surgery.