A clinical scoring system predicts the yield of diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with potentially resectable hepatic colorectal metastases Journal Article


Authors: Jarnagin, W. R.; Conlon, K.; Bodniewicz, J.; Dougherty, E.; DeMatteo, R. P.; Blumgart, L. H.; Fong, Y.
Article Title: A clinical scoring system predicts the yield of diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with potentially resectable hepatic colorectal metastases
Abstract: BACKGROUND. Laparoscopy may identify occult metastatic disease and prevent unnecessary laparotomy in some patients with potentially resectable colorectal liver metastases but is unnecessary in the majority of individuals who undergo resection. The objectives of the current study were to assess the impact of laparoscopy after extensive preoperative imaging and to determine whether a preoperative clinical risk score can identify those patients most likely to benefit from the procedure. METHODS. Between December 1997 and July 1999, 103 consecutive patients with potentially resectable colorectal liver metastases underwent laparoscopy prior to planned laparotomy and partial hepatectomy. Surgical findings, length of hospital stay, and hospital charges were analyzed. Patients were assigned a clinical risk score (CRS) based on five factors related to the primary tumor and the hepatic disease. The likelihood of finding occult unresectable disease and the yield of laparoscopy were analyzed with respect to the CRS. RESULTS. Seventy-seven patients (75%) underwent resection. Laparoscopy identified 14 of 26 patients with unresectable disease, 10 of whom were spared an unnecessary laparotomy. In patients who underwent biopsy only, the laparoscopic identification of unresectable disease shortened the hospital stay (1.2 ± 0.6 days vs. 5.8 ± 2.3 days; p = 0.0001) and reduced the total hospital charges by 55% (P = 0.0001). The CRS predicted the likelihood of occult unresectable disease, which was 12% in those with a score ≤ 2 but increased to 42% in those with a score > 2 (P = 0.001). If laparoscopy were used only in high risk patients (CRS > 2), 57 laparoscopies would have been avoided and the net savings doubled. CONCLUSIONS. With extensive preoperative imaging, the vast majority of patients with potentially resectable hepatic colorectal metastases do not benefit from laparoscopy. However, in the minority of patients with occult unresectable disease, laparoscopy prevents unnecessary laparotomy and reduces hospital stay and the total hospital charges. The CRS, previously shown to predict survival after hepatic resection, identifies those high risk patients most likely to benefit from laparoscopy and may improve resource utilization. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Keywords: adult; human tissue; aged; middle aged; survival rate; major clinical study; clinical trial; liver neoplasms; neoplasm staging; laparoscopy; laparotomy; preoperative evaluation; colorectal cancer; diagnostic procedure; risk factors; high risk patient; colorectal neoplasms; liver metastasis; hospitalization; diagnostic value; scoring system; predictive value of tests; liver resection; hepatectomy; false negative reactions; hepatic resection; occult cancer; hospital charge; diagnostic laparoscopy; preoperative imaging; humans; prognosis; human; male; female; priority journal; article; metastatic colorectal carcinoma
Journal Title: Cancer
Volume: 91
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0008-543X
Publisher: Wiley Blackwell  
Date Published: 2001-03-15
Start Page: 1121
End Page: 1128
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(20010315)91:6<1121::aid-cncr1108>3.0.co;2-2
PUBMED: 11267957
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 21 May 2015 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Leslie H Blumgart
    352 Blumgart
  2. Ronald P DeMatteo
    637 DeMatteo
  3. Kevin C Conlon
    120 Conlon
  4. William R Jarnagin
    903 Jarnagin
  5. Yuman Fong
    775 Fong