A comparative study of the short-term outcome following open and laparoscopic liver resection of colorectal metastases

Background: Laparoscopic resection of liver tumors is feasible, but few studies have compared short-term outcome of the laparoscopic approach to that of a conventional technique. Methods: Eighteen tumor resections performed during 14 procedures (14 patients) by conventional surgery were compared to 21 similar resections performed laparoscopically during 15 procedures (13 patients). All patients had colorectal liver metastases. Results: No perioperative mortality occurred. Surgical time, peroperative bleeding and blood transfusion requirement were similar in the two groups. The resection margin was involved by tumor tissue in one specimen laparoscopically resected and in two specimens conventionally resected (p = 0.58). Patients operated laparoscopically remained in hospital for median 4 days, while patients operated conventionally stayed median 8.5 days (p < 0.001). Patients operated laparoscopically required less opioid medication than patients having conventional surgery (median I vs 5 days; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Short-term outcome of laparoscopic liver resection compares to that of conventional surgery, with the additional benefits derived from minimal invasive therapy.