Surgical outcome of metachronous hepatic metastases secondary to gastric cancer.

Background/aims: The prognosis of hepatic metastasis from gastric carcinoma is dismal. A few patients are candidates for hepatic resection. The present study analyzed the oncologic outcomes of hepatic resection performed in metachronous hepatic metastasis from gastric cancer.

Methodology: Between January 1986 and November 2007, 14 patients underwent hepatectomy for metachronous hepatic metastasis secondary to gastric adenocarcinoma. Clinicopathological data were reviewed retrospectively.

Results: The median interval between gastrectomy and hepatectomy was 12.9 months. The numbers of hepatic lesions were single in 9 patients, more than two in 5 patients. The overall survival rates following hepatectomy were 67.0% at 1 year, 38.3% at 3 year. The disease progression occurred in 10 patients in the remaining liver.

Conclusion: Surgical resection could be a treatment option for the hepatic metastasis from gastric cancer. The comparison of efficacy between surgical resection and the other treatment modalities will be required.