Role and limitations of laparoscopic liver resection of colorectal metastases

Background: The current experience of laparoscopic liver resection is reviewed focusing on the role and limitations of resection of colorectal metastases. Surgical technique, outcome, and the main controversies regarding the procedures are described.

Methods: Current literature on laparoscopic liver resection is reviewed based on reports identified following a specified PubMed search.

Results: Available evidence indicates that laparoscopic liver resection can be made safely in selected patients with comparable duration of surgery, blood loss, tumour clearance, and mortality to that of open resection. Tumours localised peripherally in the left lateral segments of the liver or in segments IV-VI seem to be best suited for laparoscopic resection. The laparoscopic approach may be beneficial to the patients as compared to conventional resection but randomised trials are pending. Laparoscopic resection of colorectal liver metastases is described in a small number of patients only. The long-term outcome following such resections is not adequately documented.

Conclusions: Laparoscopic liver resection is a promising technique with a comparable short-term outcome to that of open procedures but with the potential advantages of minimal invasive treatment. The technique should be further evaluated in properly designed trials. Laparoscopic resection of colorectal liver metastases should not be performed on a regular basis until long-term results are defined.