Meta-analysis of clinical outcome after first and second liver resection for colorectal metastases

Abstract

Background: The perioperative risk and long-term survival benefit of repeat hepatectomy for patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer, compared with that of a first liver resection, has been reported with varying results in the literature. Methods: The literature was searched using Medline, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane databases for all studies published from 1992 to 2006. Two authors independently extracted data using the following outcomes: postoperative complications and mortality; disease recurrence; and long-term survival. Trials were assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Score. Random-effect meta-analytical techniques were used for analysis. Results: Twenty-one studies..