Hepatic arterial cannulation for regional chemotherapy is safe in patients with a liver metastasis volume of less than 1 litre.

Hepatic arterial cannulation for regional chemotherapy was achieved in 121/134 (90.2%) of colorectal liver metastasis patients. The perioperative mortality (5.8%) was significantly greater (P = 0.004) in patients with > 1000 ml (5/22, 23%) compared with < 1000 ml (2/83, 2.4%) metastasis volume. Colorectal liver metastasis patients should be considered for regional chemotherapy before metastases become extensive.