Management of involved or close resection margins in 120 patients with colorectal liver metastases: edge cryotherapy can achieve long-term survival

Background: The liver resection margin is prognostically significant for patients with colorectal liver metastases. Management plans for patients with suboptimal resection margins have not been adequately addressed. This article reports the long-term results of edge cryotherapy in 120 patients with suboptimal resection margins. Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected clinical data of 120 patients with suboptimal hepatic resection margins was performed. Morbidity, mortality, recurrence, and survival results were analyzed. Results: The median length follow-up was 30 months (range 1 to 139). The median disease-free interval was 19 months (range 2 to 139). Cryosite, remaining liver, and extrahepatic recurrence rates were 10%, 36%, and 47%, respectively. The median survival was 39 months (range 1 to 139), and 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 89%, 55%, and 36%, respectively. Cryosite and extrahepatic recurrence were independently associated with a reduced survival outcome. Comments: Edge cryotherapy to suboptimal liver resection margins can achieve a lower local recurrence rate and a longer survival advantage.