[Liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma--how often can be operated upon?].

Recurrent liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma are frequent. The repeat hepatectomy is superior to other therapeutic options. In about 20 % of patients with recurrent liver metastases a complete resection (R 0) is possible. The morbidity of repeat hepatectomy is similar to that of first hepatectomy. The 5-year survival rate after repeat hepatectomy ranges between 30 and 40 %. Often in the follow-up additional operations become necessary for extrahepatic recurrencies. For determination of the optimal therapy an interdisciplinary approach must be chosen.