Colorectal liver metastasis resection results in excellent long-term quality of life and low symptom burden

Abstract

Introduction

Prognostic factors in patients who undergo liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) have been investigated, but limited research exists on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), functional status, and ongoing symptoms. This study aimed to assess the long-term HRQoL of life and examine the factors associated with HRQoL, functional status, and ongoing symptoms.

Materials and methods

This was a cross-sectional study of patients who had curative resection between 2010 and June 2021. Patients completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 (a generic questionnaire) and QLQ-LMC21 (CRLM-specific) questionnaires.

Results

In total, 121 patients underwent liver resection, of which 85 were alive. There was a 61 % response rate (n = 52). The median postoperative time when the survey was completed was 4.0 years (1–13.1). Overall, most patients were doing well, with a median global HRQoL score of 83 and scores >80 in all domains. Most symptoms were assigned a median score of “0”. There were no clinical factors that significantly impacted HRQoL and only trivial differences in relation to physical symptoms.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates excellent long-term HRQoL and functional status in patients who undergo liver resection for CRLM and have long-term survival.