Aims: To clarify the effectiveness of microwave coagulo-necrotic therapy (MCN) as a surgical treatment for colorectal liver metastases to the caudate, which is anatomically difficult to treat.
Patients and Methods: From 1994 to 2006, a total of 185 consecutive patients underwent surgical treatment for colorectal liver metastases and 14 (7.6%) were found to have caudate metastases. Two had isolated caudate metastases. For 12 of the 14 patients, MCN was performed, while hepatectomy was for the other two.
Results: All tumors (7.1-35 mm in diameter) were completely ablated by MCN. Intraoperative bleeding of MCN was much less than that associated with hepatectomy. There was no morbidity associated with MCN. No local recurrence was noted in the caudate.
Conclusion: MCN is markedly effective treatment for caudate metastases.
