BACKGROUNDMany studies have reported the benefit of hepatic resection for solitary and metachronous metastases from gastric cancer. However, indications and surgical results for synchronous hepatic metastases from gastric carcinoma have not been clearly defined. This study was performed to assess the benefits and limits of simultaneous combined resection of both primary gastric cancer and synchronous hepatic metastases, as well as to identify prognostic factors affecting the survival.

METHODSBetween January 2005 and June 2008, 13 patients with synchronous hepatic metastases underwent simultaneous combined resection. The clinicopathologic features and the surgical results of the 13 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patient, tumor (primary and metastatic carcinoma), and operative parameters were analyzed for their influence on survival.

RESULTSNo patient died and two patients (15.4%) developed complications during peri-operative course. The actuarial 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year survival rates after hepatic resection were 76.9%, 38.5%, and 30.8%, respectively, and two patients survived for more than 2 years after surgery without any signs of recurrences until latest follow-up. In univariate analysis, hepatic tumor distribution (P=0.01) and number of hepatic metastases (P=0.003) were significant prognostic factors that influenced survival. Factors associated with the primary lesion were not significant prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONSSatisfactory survival may be achieved by simultaneous combined resection of both primary gastric cancer and synchronous hepatic metastases in strictly selected patients. The number of hepatic metastases and hepatic tumor distribution are significant prognostic determinants of survival.