Surgical cystogastrostomy: Is it still worthwhile?

The article by Ker et al explores the treatment of peripancreatic fluid collection(PFC).The use of percutaneous drainage,endoscopy,and surgery for managing PFC are discussed.Percutaneous drainage is noted for its low risk profile,while endoscopic cystogastrostomy is more effective due to the wider orifice of the metallic stent.Surgical cystogastrostomy is a definitive treatment with a reduced need for reintervention,especially for cases with extensive collections and significant necrosis.The choice of treatment modality should be tailored to individual patient characteristics and disease factors,considering the expertise available.

Evolution of systemic therapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) commonly occurs in hepatitis B endemic areas, especially in Asian countries. HCC is highly refractory to cytotoxic chemotherapy. This resistance is partly related to its tumor biology, pharmacokinetic properties, and both intrinsic and acquired drug resistance. There is no convincing evidence thus far that systemic chemotherapy improves overall survival in advanced HCC patients. Other systemic approaches, such as hormonal therapy and immunotherapy, have also disappointing results. Recently, encouraging results have been shown in using sorafenib in the treatment of advanced HCC patients. In this review, we concisely summarize the evolution of developments in the systemic therapy of advanced HCC.

Multidisciplinary approach for post-liver transplant recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma: A proposed management algorithm

A large number of liver transplants have been performed for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), and recurrence is increasingly encountered. The recurrence of HCC after liver transplantation is notoriously difficult to manage. We hereby propose multi-disciplinary management with a systematic approach. The patient is jointly managed by the transplant surgeon, physician, oncologist and radiologist. Immunosuppressants should be tapered to the lowest effective dose to protect against rejection. The combination of a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor with a reduced calcineurin inhibitor could be considered with close monitoring of graft function and toxicity. Comprehensive staging can be performed by dual-tracer positron emission tomography-computed tomography or the combination of contrast computed tomography and a bone scan. In patients with disseminated recurrence, sorafenib confers survival benefits but is associated with significant drug toxicity. Oligo-recurrence encompasses recurrent disease that is limited in number and location so that loco-regional treatments convey disease control and survival benefits. Intra-hepatic recurrence can be managed with graft resection, but significant operative morbidity is expected. Radiofrequency ablation and stereotactic body radiation therapy(SBRT) are effective alternative strategies. In patients with more advanced hepatic disease, regional treatment with trans-arterial chemoembolization or intra-arterial Yttrium-90 can be considered. For patients with extra-hepatic oligorecurrence, loco-regional treatment can be considered if practical. Patients with more than one site of recurrence are not always contraindicated for curative treatments. Surgical resection is effective for patients with pulmonary oligo-recurrence, but adequate lung function is a prerequisite. SBRT is a non-invasive and effective modality that conveys local control to pulmonary and skeletal oligo-recurrences.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy with vascular reconstruction for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas with borderline resectability

AIM:To analyze whether pancreaticoduodenectomy with simultaneous resection of tumor-involved vessels is a safe approach with acceptable patient survival.METHODS:Between January 2001 and March 2012,136 patients received pancreaticoduodenectomy for adenocarcinoma at our hospital.Seventy-eight patients diagnosed with pancreatic head carcinoma were included in this study.Among them,46 patients received standard pancreaticoduodenectomy(group 1)and32 patients received pancreaticoduodenectomy with simultaneous resection of the portal vein or the superior mesenteric vein or artery(group 2)followed by reconstruction.The immediate surgical outcomes and survivals were compared between the groups.Fifty-five patients with unresectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas without liver metastasis who received only bypassoperations(group 3)were selected for additional survival comparison.RESULTS:The median ages of patients were 67 years(range:37-82 years)in group 1,and 63 years(range:35-86 years)in group 2.All group 2 patients had resection of the portal vein or the superior mesenteric vein and three patients had resection of the superior mesenteric artery.The pancreatic fistula formation rate was21.7%(10/46)in group 1 and 15.6%(5/32)in group2(P=0.662).Two hospital deaths(4.3%)occurred in group 1 and one hospital death(3.1%)occurred in group 2(P=0.641).The one-year,three-year and five-year overall survival rates in group 1 were 71.1%,23.6%and 13.5%,respectively.The corresponding rates in group 2 were 70.6%,33.3%and 22.2%(P=0.815).The one-year survival rate in group 3 was13.8%.Pancreaticoduodenectomy with simultaneous vascular resection was safe for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma.CONCLUSION:The short-term and survival outcomes with simultaneous resection were not compromised when compared with that of standard pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Prevention of recurrent hepatitis B infection after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND:Recurrence of hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection after liver transplantation can lead to graft loss and a reduction in long-term survival.The purpose of this review is to summarize the current therapeutic options for preventing HBV recurrence in liver transplant recipients.DATA SOURCES:Up to January 2013,studies that were published in MEDLINE and EMBASE on prevention of HBV recurrence after liver transplantation were reviewed.RESULTS:There have been remarkable advancements in the past two decades on the prevention of HBV recurrence after liver transplantation,from the discovery of hepatitis B immune globulin(HBIG) and lamivudine monotherapy to the combination therapy using HBIG and lamivudine.With the development of newer and stronger antiviral agents,the need for life-long HBIG is doubtful.With their low resistance profile,oral antiviral prophylaxis using these new agents alone is sufficient and is associated with excellent outcome.CONCLUSIONS:Restoration of host HBV immunity with adoptive immunity transfer and vaccination may represent the ultimate strategy to withdraw prophylactic treatment and to achieve a drug free regimen against HBV recurrence after liver transplantation.

Current status of associating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy: Comparison with two-stage hepatectomy and strategies for better outcomes

Since its introduction in 2012,associating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy(ALPPS)has significantly expanded the pool of candidates for liver resection.It offers patients with insufficient liver function a chance of a cure.ALPPS is most controversial when its high morbidity and mortality is concerned.Operative mortality is usually a result of posthepatectomy liver failure and can be minimized with careful patient selection.Elderly patients have limited reserve for tolerating the demanding operation.Patients with colorectal liver metastasis have normal liver and are ideal candidates.ALPPS for cholangiocarcinoma is technically challenging and associated with fair outcomes.Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma have chronic liver disease and limited parenchymal hypertrophy.However,in selected patients with limited hepatic fibrosis satisfactory outcomes have been produced.During the inter-stage period,serum bilirubin and creatinine level and presence of surgical complication predict mortality after stage II.Kinetic growth rate and hepatobiliary scintigraphy also guide the decision whether to postpone or omit stage II surgery.The outcomes of ALPPS have been improved by a combination of technical modifications.In patients with challenging anatomy,partial ALPPS potentially reduces morbidity,but remnant hypertrophy may compare unfavorably to a complete split.When compared to conventional two-stage hepatectomy with portal vein embolization or portal vein ligation,ALPPS offers a higher resection rate for colorectal liver metastasis without increased morbidity or mortality.While ALPPS has obvious theoretical oncological advantages over two-stage hepatectomy,the long-term outcomes are yet to be determined.

Miniaturised percutaneous nephrolithotomy:Its role in the treatment of urolithiasis and our experience

Miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)procedures have gained increased popularity in recent years.They aim to reduce percutaneous tract size in order to lower complication rates,while maintaining high stone-free rates.Recently,miniaturized PCNL techniques have further expanded,and can currently be classified into mini-PCNL,minimally invasive PCNL(MIP),Chinese mini-PCNL(MPCNL),ultra-mini-PCNL(UMP),micro-PCNL,mini-micro-PCNL,and super-mini-PCNL(SMP).However,despite its minimally-invasive nature,its potential superiority in terms of safety and efficacy when compared to conventional PCNL is still under debate.The aim of this review is to summarise different available modalities of miniaturized PCNL,details of instruments involved,and their corresponding safety and efficacy.In particular,this article highlights the role of the SMP and our experience with this novel technique in management of urolithiasis.Overall,miniaturized PCNL techniques appear to be safe and effective alternatives to conventional PCNL for both adult and pediatric patients.Well-designed,randomized studies are required to further investigate and identify specific roles of miniaturized PCNL techniques before considering them as standard rather than alternative procedures to conventional PCNL.

Importance of surgical margin in the outcomes of hepatocholangiocarcinoma

AIM To evaluate the significance of resection margin width in the management of hepatocholangiocarcinoma(HCC-CC).METHODS Data of consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy for hepatic malignancies in the period from1995 to 2014 were reviewed.Patients with pathologically confirmed HCC-CC were included for analysis.Demographic,biochemical,operative and pathological data were analyzed against survival outcomes. RESULTSForty-two patients were included for analysis.The median age was 53.5 years.There were 29 males.Hepatitis B virus was identified in 73.8%of the patients.Most patients had preserved liver function.The median preoperative indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min was 10.2%.The median tumor size was 6.5 cm.Major hepatectomy was required in over 70%of the patients.Hepaticojejunostomy was performed in 6 patients.No hospital death occurred.The median hospital stay was 13 d.The median follow-up period was 32 mo.The 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 23.6%and 35.4%respectively.Multifocality was the only independent factor associated with diseasefree survival[P<0.001,odds ratio 4,95%confidence interval(CI):1.9-8.0].In patients with multifocal tumor(n=20),resection margin of≥1 cm was associated with improved 1-year disease-free survival(40%vs 0%;log-rank,P=0.012).CONCLUSIONHCC-CC is a rare disease with poor prognosis.Resection margin of 1 cm or above was associated with improved survival outcome in patients with multifocal HCC-CC.

Outcome analysis of management of liver trauma: A 10-year experience at a trauma center

AIM: To review the outcomes of liver trauma in patients with hepatic injuries only and in patients with associated injuries outside the liver.METHODS: Data of liver trauma patients presented to our center from January 2003 to October 2013 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of patients who had hepatic injuries only. Group 2 consisted of patients who also had associated injuries outside the liver.RESULTS: Seven(30.4%) patients in group 1 and 10(28.6%) patients in group 2 received non-operative management; the rest underwent operation. Blunt trauma occurred in 82.8%(48/58) of the patients and penetrative trauma in 17.2%(10/58). A higher injury severity score(ISS) was observed in group 2(median 45 vs 25, P < 0.0001). More patients in group 1 were hemodynamically stable(65.2% vs 37.1%, P = 0.036). Other parameters were comparable between groups. Group 1 had better 30-d survival(91.3% vs 71.4%, P = 0.045). On multivariate analysis using the logistic regression model, ISS was found to be associated with mortality(P = 0.004, hazard ratio = 1.035, 95%CI:CONCLUSION: Liver trauma patients with multiple injuries are relatively unstable on presentation. Despite a higher ISS in group 2, non-operative management was possible for selected patients. Associated injuries outside the liver usually account for morbidity and mortality.

Management of chronic hepatitis B before and after liver transplantation

Liver transplantation remains the only curative option for eligible patients with complications of chronic hepatitis B(CHB) infection,including severe acute hepatitis flares,decompensated cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma. In general,all patients with CHB awaiting liver transplantation should be treated with oral nucleos(t)ide analogs(NAs) with high barriers to resistance to prevent potential flares of hepatitis and reduce disease progression. After liver transplantation,lifelong antiviral therapy is also required to prevent graft hepatitis,which may lead to subsequent graft loss. Although combination therapy using NA and hepatitis B immune globulin(HBIG) has been the regimen most widely adopted for over a decade,recent studies have demonstrated that newer NAs with low rates of resistance are effective in preventing graft hepatitis even without the use of HBIG,achieving excellent long term outcome. For patients without pre-existing resistant mutations,monotherapy with a single NA has been shown to be effective. For those with resistant strains,a combination of nucleoside analog and nucleotide analog should be used. To date,clinical trials using therapeutic vaccination have shown suboptimal response,as CHB patients likely have an immune deficit against HBV epitopes. Future strategies include targeting different sites of the hepatitis B replication cycle and restoring the host immunity response to facilitate complete viral eradication.

Incarceration of a colonoscope in an inguinal hernia: Case report and literature review

Incarceration of an endoscope in an inguinal hernia may occur during the course of routine colonoscopy. The incarceration may occur on insertion or withdrawal and frequently the hernia is not suspected prior to the colonoscopy. Most commonly, a left sided inguinal hernia is involved, however right inguinal hernias may be implicated in subjects with altered anatomy post abdominal surgery. Incarceration of an endoscope in an inguinal hernia has been seldom reported in the literature which is likely to be related to under reporting. A range of techniques have been suggested by various authors over the last four decades to manage this unusual complication of colonoscopy. These techniques include utilizing fluoroscopy, manual external pressure and/or the fitting of a cap onto the tip of the colonoscope to facilitate colonoscopic navigation. The authors present a case report of incarceration of the colonoscope on withdrawal in an unsuspected left inguinal hernia with a review of the literature on the management of this colonoscopic complication. A management strategy is suggested.

Survival analysis of breast cancer liver metastasis treated by hepatectomy: A propensity score analysis for Chinese women in Hong Kong

Background: Survival of patients with breast cancer liver metastasis is very poor. This study aimed to analyze the survival outcome of hepatectomy for this patient population. Methods: From January 1995 to December 2014, 2522 patients with liver cancer received hepatectomy at our hospital. Twenty-one of them, all female, received the operation for breast cancer liver metastasis. Performance was compared with patients with colorectal liver metastasis treated with hepatectomy after propensity score analysis in a ratio of 1:3. Results: Twenty-one patients received hepatectomy for breast cancer. After propensity score matching, 63 patients who had hepatectomy for colorectal cancer were selected for comparison. There was no significant difference in immediate or short-term outcomes between the two groups of patients in terms of operative time, blood loss and surgical morbidities. All patients with breast cancer had R0 resection. No hospital death occurred. After hepatectomy, the 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 100.0%, 58.9% and 58.9% respectively in patients with breast cancer. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 95.0%, 57.2% and 39.7% respectively in patients with colorectal cancer (P = 0.572). On multivariate analysis, triple negative status was the only independent poor prognostic factor in breast cancer liver metastasis (OR = 6.411;95% CI: 1.351–30.435;P = 0.019). Conclusions: Hepatectomy is a safe and effective way of treating breast cancer liver metastasis at experienced centers where multidisciplinary adjuvant treatments are available. It can be considered more frequently as part of the multidisciplinary care for this patient population.

Impact of small-for-size liver grafts on medium-term and long-term graft survival in living donor liver transplantation: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Small-for-size grafts (SFSGs) in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) could optimize donor postoperative outcomes and also expand the potential donor pool. Evidence on whether SFSGs would affect medium-term and long-term recipient graft survival is lacking. AIM To evaluate the impact of small-for-size liver grafts on medium-term and longterm graft survival in adult to adult LDLT. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed by searching eligible studies published before January 24, 2019 on PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. The primary outcomes were 3-year and 5-year graft survival. Incidence of small-for-size syndrome and short term mortality were also extracted. RESULTS This meta-analysis is reported according to the guidelines of the PRISMA 2009 Statement. Seven retrospective observational studies with a total of 1821 LDLT recipients were included in the meta-analysis. SFSG is associated with significantly poorer medium-term graft survival. The pooled odds ratio for 3-year graft survival was 1.58 [95% confidence interval 1.10-2.29, P = 0.014]. On the other hand, pooled results of the studies showed that SFSG had no significant discriminatory effect on 5-year graft survival with an odds ratio of 1.31 (95% confidence interval 0.87-1.97, P = 0.199). Furthermore, incidence of small-for-size syndrome detected in recipients of SFSG ranged from 0-11.4% in the included studies. CONCLUSION SFSG is associated with inferior medium-term but not long-term graft survival. Comparable long-term graft survival based on liver graft size shows that smaller grafts could be accepted for LDLT with appropriate flow modulatory measures. Close follow-up for graft function is warranted within 3 years after liver transplantation.

Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors after post-transplant hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence:Is it too late?

BACKGROUND Mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)inhibitors have been shown to reduce the risk of tumour recurrence after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,their role in established post-transplant HCC recurrence is uncertain.AIM To investigate whether mTOR inhibitor offers a survival benefit in posttransplant HCC recurrence.METHODS A retrospective study of 143 patients who developed HCC recurrence after liver transplantation was performed.They were divided into 2 groups based on whether they had received mTOR inhibitor-based immunosuppression.The primary endpoint was post-recurrence survival.RESULTS Seventy-nine(55%)patients received an mTOR inhibitor-based immunosuppressive regime,while 64(45%)patients did not.The mTOR inhibitor group had a lower number of recurrent tumours(2 vs 5,P=0.02)and received more active treatments including radiotherapy(39 vs 22%,P=0.03)and targeted therapy(59 vs 23%,P<0.001).The median post-recurrence survival was 21.0±4.1 mo in the mTOR inhibitor group and 11.2±2.5 mo in the control group.Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that mTOR inhibitor therapy was independently associated with improved post-recurrence survival(P=0.04,OR=0.482,95%CI:0.241-0.966).The number of recurrent tumours and use of other treatment modalities did not affect survival.No survival difference was observed between mTOR inhibitor monotherapy and combination therapy with calcineurin inhibitor.CONCLUSION mTOR inhibitors prolonged survival after post-transplant HCC recurrence.

Is the treatment outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma inferior in elderly patients?

In view of the increasing life expectancy in different parts of the world, a larger proportion of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) requiring oncological treatment is expected. The clinicopathological characteristics of HCC in elderly patients and in younger patients are different. Elderly patients, in general, also have more comorbidities. Evaluation of the efficacy of different HCC treatment options in elderly patients is necessary to optimize treatment outcomes for them. Treatment modalities for HCC include hepatectomy, liver transplantation, radiofrequency ablation, transarterial chemoembolization, and molecular-targeted therapy with sorafenib. In this review, current evidence on the risks and outcomes of the different HCC treatments for elderly patients are discussed. According to data in the literature, elderly patients and younger patients benefited similarly from HCC treatments. More clinical data are needed for the determination of selecting criteria on elderly HCC patients to maximize their chance of getting the most appropriate and effective treatments. As such,further studies evaluating the outcomes of different HCC treatment modalities in elderly patients are warranted.

Emergency re-routing of anterior sector venous outflow for right lobe living donor liver transplantation including the middle hepatic vein

BACKGROUND:Controversy remains over whether the middle hepatic vein should be included in the liver graft in right liver living donor liver transplantation.Congestion in the anterior sector of a right liver graft can cause graft malfunction,which is especially devastating in the case of a graft with marginal size in relation to recipient body size on top of poor pre-transplant recipient status.The case we report here highlighted the importance of the middle hepatic vein in right liver living donor liver transplantation.METHODS:We illustrated the rectification of outflow obstruction of the middle hepatic vein in the anterior sector of right liver graft caused by technical error during transplantation.The rectification was performed with emergency re-routing using an artificial conduit.RESULT:Congestion in the anterior sector of the graft improved immediately and the patient’s postoperative liver function test results improved gradually.CONCLUSIONS:The middle hepatic vein is important for effective drainage of the anterior sector of a right liver graft.The re-routing technique described in the report can also be applied to cases in which the middle hepatic vein is injured during hepatectomy requiring immediate reconstruction.

Monday blues of deceased-donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND:There is a constant and global shortage of deceased-donor organs for transplantation.Ways to identify areas for securing potential deceased-donor organs may improve the supply and hence benefit more patients in need of transplantation. METHODS:We looked into the disparity of the number of deceased-donor liver transplantation(DDLT)performed at our hospital on different days of the weeks from January 2000 to the end of December 2009(237 DDLTs).The number of DDLT performed on each day was compared with the other days of the week. RESULTS:It was apparent that there were fewer DDLTs on Mondays,as shown by the numbers of DDLT performed on different days of the week in an ascending order:Monday 18(7.6%),Sunday 30(12.7%),Thursday 34(14.3%),Friday 36(15.2%),Wednesday 38(16.0%),Tuesday 40(16.9%), and Saturday 41(17.3%).The difference reached statistical significance when Monday was compared with Tuesday (P=0.019),Wednesday(P=0.010),Friday(P=0.021),and Saturday(P=0.007).It was twice as unlikely a DDLT would be performed on Monday as compared with other days.Such a trend did not change even with an increase in the number of deceased-donor liver grafts in the last year.As consent to donation was obtained from the donor family the day before DDLT,fewer consents were thus obtained on Sundays.CONCLUSION:These findings suggested that deceased-donor organ donation activities were less active on Sundays and could be improved.This further raises the concern of possible wastage of potential cases of organ donation.

Prophylactic uses of integrin CD18-βA peptide in a murine polymicrobial peritonitis model

AIM:To evaluate the prophylactic properties of integrin CD18-βA peptide in a murine model of abdominal polymicrobial peritonitis and sepsis.METHODS:Bacterial sepsis was induced in Institute of Cancer Research(ICR) mice by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) surgery.Inflicted mice were then injected with either sterile saline or CD18-βA peptide intraperitoneally at 2 h after surgery,and were sacrificed at 12 and 24 h after surgery.Blood samples were immediately collected,and analyzed for endotoxin activity and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-6.Lungs and liver were studied for CD45+ leukocyte and CD3 mRNA content.Pulmonary expression of intercellular adhesion molecule(ICAM)-1,vascular cell adhesion molecule(VCAM) and E-selectin was also determined.RESULTS:Intraperitoneal injection of CD18-βA peptide significantly suppressed circulating endotoxin activity(P<0.01) at 24 h,as well as serum levels of TNF-α(P<0.05 at 12 and 24 h) and IL-6(P<0.01 at 12 h,P<0.05 at 24 h) in CLP-inflicted mice.CD18-βA peptide also abrogated leukocyte infiltration into liver and lungs as unveiled by reduced CD45+ leukocyte and CD3 mRNA contents.Furthermore,the peptide significantly reduced pulmonary expression of VCAM(P<0.01 at 12 h,P<0.001 at 24 h),E-selectin(P<0.01 at 12 and 24 h),and ICAM-1(P<0.01 at 12 h,P<0.001 at 24 h).These actions of CD18-βA peptide collectively protected septic mice against lethality(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:CD18-βA peptide is a potent endotoxin antagonist that can protect surgical patients against sepsis-associated lethality.

Fatigue and Quality of Life of Women Undergoing Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVE To examine fatigue and quality of life (QOL) inbreast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.METHODS A self-report survey derived from the Chineseversion of Brief Fatigue Inventory, the Functional Assessmentof Chronic Illness Therapy for Breast Cancer, and the MedicalOutcomes Study Social Support Survey. Descriptive statisticswas used to examine the intensity of fatigue and the prevalenceof severe fatigue. Multivariate analysis of variance was used todetermine factors that affect the five domains of QOL among theparticipants.RESULTS The majority of the participants (n = 261) perceiveda mild level of fatigue, but 35.6% of them suffered severe fatigue.Fatigue had a significantly negative association with all domainsof QOL except social/family wellbeing. The participants whowere receiving chemotherapy, undergoing curative treatment andhaving inadequate social support were more likely to have poorerQOL in all five domains (after adjustment for age).CONCLUSION Although the majority of the participantsexperienced a mild level of fatigue, there was a substantial groupof breast cancer patients who perceived their fatigue as severe. Thefindings of this study showed that fatigue had a detrimental effecton the various aspects of the participants' QOL. Demographic andclinical characteristics of breast cancer patients who were at riskof getting poorer QOL were identified. The results of the studydemonstrate that we should enhance healthcare professionals'awareness of the importance of symptom assessment, andprovide them with information for planning effective symptom-management strategies among this study population.

Colorectal liver metastases:An update on multidisciplinary approach

Liver metastasis is the commonest form of distant metastasis in colorectal cancer.Selection criteria for surgery and liver-directed therapies have recently been extended.However,resectability remains poorly defined.Tumour biology is increasingly recognized as an important prognostic factor;hence molecular profiling has a growing role in risk stratification and management planning.Surgical resection is the only treatment modality for curative intent.The most appropriate surgical approach is yet to be established.The primary cancer and the hepatic metastasis can be removed simultaneously or in a two-step approach;these two strategies have comparable long-term outcomes.For patients with a limited future liver remnant,portal vein embolization,combined ablation and resection,and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy have been advocated,and each has their pros and cons.The role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy is still debated.Targeted biological agents and loco-regional therapies(thermal ablation,intra-arterial chemo-or radio-embolization,and stereotactic radiotherapy) further improve the already favourable results.The recent debate about offering liver transplantation to highly selected patients needs validation from large clinical trials.Evidencebased protocols are missing,and therefore optimal management of hepatic metastasis should be personalized and determined by a multi-disciplinary team.