Elevated Postoperative Levels of Serum C-reactive Protein Are Associated With Shorter Long-term Survival After Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases, Regardless of the Occurrence of Infectious Complications

Abstract

Background/Aim: Recently, elevated levels of postoperative inflammatory markers have been reported to be associated with poorer long-term survival outcomes, regardless of the occurrence of infectious complications, in gastroenterological malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between postoperative inflammation and shorter long-term survival after resection of colorectal liver metastases. Patients and Methods: A total of 104 patients who underwent R0 resection for colorectal liver metastases were enrolled. The CRP_max levels were defined as the highest postoperative serum C-reactive protein levels during hospital stay. Results: The high-CRP_max group had a significantly lower relapse-free survival rate than the low-CRP_max group, regardless of the occurrence of infectious complications. Conclusion: In colorectal liver metastasis as well as other malignancies, elevated postoperative levels of serum C-reactive protein are associated with shorter long-term survival, regardless of the occurrence of infectious complications.