Risk factors for early recurrence after curative hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases

Purpose. With the broadening indications for hepatectomy to treat colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), early recurrence is a major problem. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors of early recurrence, defi ned as recurrence within 1 year after surgery. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on 121 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy for CRLM. Results. Among 121 patients, 52 (43.0%) developed early recurrence. The independent risk factor for early recurrence was "number of liver metastases ≥3" (odds ratio 2.65). There were signifi cantly more patients with liver recurrence (51.9%) and recurrence beyond curative surgical resection (63.5%) in those with early recurrence. In addition, patients with three or more liver metastases had signifi cantly more liver recurrence (66.7%; P = 0.02) and recurrence beyond curative surgical resection (70.8%; P = 0.04). The overall survival rates of both patients with early recurrence (5-year survival rate 20%) and those with three or more liver metastases (5-year survival rate 24%) were signifi cantly worse. Conclusions. The independent risk factor for early recurrence is the "number of liver metastases ≥3." Patients with three or more liver metastases have a signifi cantly higher risk of liver recurrence and a higher rate of recurrence beyond curative surgical resection, and these are correlated with a poor prognosis.