The program for treatment of patients with
metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver integrates the most advanced
treatments in a multidisciplinary approach. Our surgeons work in
collaboration with radiologists and our oncologists to identify
patients who will benefit from liver-directed surgical treatment.
Liver Resection
Our surgeons integrate the newest techniques
in evaluation of the liver with intraoperative ultrasonography along
with techniques for hemostasis to limit blood loss and allow for
removal of the smallest portions of liver possible in order to resect
the tumors. Patients who are candidates for liver resection, based
on careful screening and staging, have the best potential for survival.
Ablative Therapies
Patients who are not candidates for removal of their tumors (secondary
to locations or number) are candidates for in situ ablation of their
tumors. Most commonly, this involves radiofrequency ablation, which
allows for destruction of the tumor cells with heat while maximally
preserving the native liver and function.
Hepatic Artery Infusion
Chemotherapy
Hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy can be used in patients who
undergo removal of their tumors or radiofrequency ablation as a
separate therapy. This treatment involves the placement of a catheter
into the blood vessel which goes directly to the liver. This allows
for the direct treatment of liver tumors with infusion of chemotherapy.
This type of treatment results in lower systemic symptoms such as
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue while allowing for a better
treatment response in the tumor.
Minimally Invasive Surgical
Techniques
The Division of Surgical Oncology is pioneering minimally invasive
surgical techniques for the treatment of liver metastasis. With
the use of laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound ablative therapy
such as radiofrequency ablation and hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy
can be delivered without the morbidity of open laparotomy. These
techniques allow for complete evaluation of the liver and treatment
of all metastatic tumors, and they limit postoperative pain and
recovery. |
