The effect of radiofrequency ablation vs. liver resection on survival outcome of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM): a meta-analysis.

Background/aims: For patients with solitary colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM), it is still controversial whether radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has the same effect as liver resection (LR). This study aims to pool available evidence and to analyze the effect of RFA versus LR for resectable solitary CRLM in sur- vival indicators.

Methodology: Relevant studies were searched among databases and a meta-analysis was performed to pool the hazard ratio (HR) of RFA versus LR in overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS).

Results: A total of 10 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled results showed poorer OS (HR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.48 to 2.32, p < 0.00001) and DFS (HR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.14 to 2.48, p = 0.009) among the patient received RFA compared those received LR. Sensitivity analysis confirmed high robustness of the findings.

Conclusion: In patients with resectable CRLM, LR is superior to RFA in survival outcomes. RFA should be reserved for patients who are not optimal candidates for resection until new supportive evidence is obtained from large RCTs.