Laparoscopic surgery for liver metastases from colon cancer

Effect of the Laparoscopic Approach in Reducing Postoperative Severe Complications Following Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastases: Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study

NA · Institut Mutualiste Montsouris · NCT04163887

This study is testing if laparoscopic surgery for liver tumors from colon cancer leads to fewer complications and better recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment340 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorInstitut Mutualiste Montsouris (other)
Locations21 sites (Amiens and 20 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04163887 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the laparoscopic approach to the traditional open approach for liver resection in patients with colorectal liver metastases. It will assess the reduction of postoperative complications, including mortality, using the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) within 90 days post-surgery. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the laparoscopic or open surgery groups, and their recovery will be monitored over a three-year period. The goal is to demonstrate that laparoscopic surgery can lead to fewer complications and improve patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with colorectal liver metastases who qualify for both laparoscopic and open surgical approaches.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to surgery or laparoscopy, or those with severe comorbidities, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative complications and improve recovery times for patients undergoing liver resection.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that laparoscopic approaches can reduce complications in various surgical contexts, suggesting potential success for this method in liver resections.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Presenting with colorectal liver metastases requiring liver resection ± concomitant radiofrequency ablation.
* Qualifying for both a laparoscopic approach and an open approach.
* Informed written consent.
* Affiliated to health insurance regimen.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Hybrid liver resection (including both laparoscopic and open resection).
* Liver resection requiring an associated vascular or biliary reconstruction.
* Contraindication to surgery.
* Contraindication to laparoscopy (pneumoperitoneum).
* ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) score IV or V or life expectancy \< 3 months.
* Poor comprehension of French language or cognitive impairment
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* Patient under guardianship or unable to give consent
* People particularly protected by French law.

Where this trial is running

Amiens and 20 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Liver Metastasis Colon Cancer, Postoperative Complications, Liver resection, Laparoscopy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.