Cytoablative therapy with combined resection and cryosurgery for limited bilobar hepatic colorectal metastases

Background Cryosurgery can be employed in patients with unresectable hepatic metastases when the tumor size and the number of metastases are limited. However, local recurrence can result from incomplete ablation. We proposed a trial of complete cytoablation with a combined approach of cryosurgery and hepatic resection for patients with bilobar hepatic metastases. Methods Seven patients underwent cryosurgery alone (CRYO). Seven additional patients underwent combined resection and cryosurgery (CRYO+RES) for bilobar metastases. Results In the CRYO group, 5 of 7 patients had at least one centrally located tumor. All 5 of these patients had early recurrence at the site of ablation. In the CRYO+RES group complete ablation was achieved in 7 of 7. Two (28.6%) of these patients developed local recurrence. Conclusion Cytoablation of hepatic metastases can be safely achieved with combined hepatic resection and cryosurgery in selected patients. Long-term survival data are necessary before advocating widespread application of this approach.