Confirm resectability
Determine whether a case considered unresectable can be operated on using advanced techniques.
Specialty
Surgery for Liver Metastases
At Quenet-Torrent Institute we treat liver metastases with advanced surgical strategies, combining resection, parenchyma-sparing techniques and multimodal treatments to offer the best chances of cure.
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EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE +20,000 surgeries performed
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LATEST TECHNOLOGY in surgical strategy
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What are liver metastases?
Liver metastases are secondary tumours that form when cancer cells from other organs spread to the liver. The most common originate from colorectal cancer, but they can also arise from breast, lung, pancreatic, gastric and other tumours.
The liver is frequently affected due to its rich blood supply. However, unlike other organs, liver metastases can be treated with curative intent through surgery when they are confined to the liver.
Surgery for liver metastases can significantly increase survival, especially in those of colorectal origin, where long-term cure rates exceed 40%.
Why seek a second opinion about liver metastases?
Seeking a second opinion can transform a case considered incurable into an operable one.
Evaluate two-stage surgery
Assess complex strategies such as two-stage surgery, ALPPS or portal embolisation.
Consider conversion chemotherapy
Evaluate whether chemotherapy can convert an unresectable tumour into an operable one.
Explore combined treatments
Consider ablation, stereotactic radiotherapy or other locoregional therapies.
Many patients considered inoperable may benefit from evaluation at a specialised centre.
How do we treat liver metastases?
Surgical treatment is the only option with curative potential for liver metastases.
Parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy
Tumour resection while preserving the maximum amount of healthy liver tissue.
Two-stage surgery
For bilobar tumours, allowing liver regeneration between procedures.
ALPPS
A technique that achieves rapid hepatic hypertrophy for initially unresectable cases.
Resection combined with ablation
Combining surgery with radiofrequency or microwave tumour destruction.
The strategy is designed individually according to the number, size and location of the metastases.
Our technology
Technology for liver metastases surgery
Precision technology is essential for optimising surgical outcomes.
3D hepatic volumetry
Accurate calculation of the functional liver remnant after resection.
Intraoperative ultrasound
Detection of hidden lesions and guidance for resection.
Portal embolisation
Hypertrophy of the future liver remnant before surgery.
Radiofrequency / microwave ablation
Tumour destruction complementary to resection.
PET-CT
Precise staging to rule out extrahepatic disease.
WHY CHOOSE US
Experience in the most complex cases
Quenet-Torrent Institute offers a comprehensive approach, with teams specialised in high-complexity hepatic surgery.
Experience in Complex Cases
We specialise in the treatment of advanced and metastatic cancer, using complex and innovative techniques that other teams do not offer.
Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Approach
We build a team around you — surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nutritionists and psychologists, all working together for your recovery.
Research and Innovation
We stay at the forefront of scientific advances, enabling us to apply innovative treatments with better outcomes.
State-of-the-Art Technology
Our facilities are equipped with the most advanced medical technology, allowing us to perform high-precision procedures with minimal impact on the body.
Personalised and Compassionate Care
Every patient matters to us as a person. We listen, support and guide at every step of the journey.
Our team
Specialists in liver metastases
Every doctor at Quenet-Torrent Institute is a recognised expert in their field, committed to the wellbeing of each patient.
Dr. François Quenet
Oncological Surgeon
View profile"Internationally renowned surgeon, expert in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tumours. Recognised for his precision in high-complexity surgery."
Dr. Juan José Torrent
Oncological Surgeon
View profile"Specialist in gynaecological tumours and peritoneal carcinomatosis. A leading reference in complex and personalised oncological surgery."
Life expectancy with liver metastases
The prognosis for liver metastases varies considerably depending on the primary tumour, the number and size of the lesions, and the possibility of surgical resection. Metastases of colorectal origin respond best to surgical treatment.
Complete surgical resection of liver metastases is the only treatment with curative intent and represents a radical difference in survival compared to medical treatment alone.
Without surgery
Patients with liver metastases treated with chemotherapy alone have a median survival of 18-30 months. The disease progresses without the possibility of cure in most cases.
With specialised surgery
Surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases can achieve 5-year survival rates above 40%. At specialised centres, with advanced techniques such as two-stage hepatectomy or combined ablation, these results improve further.
Prognostic factors
The number and size of metastases, the possibility of R0 resection (clear margins), the disease-free interval from the primary tumour, CEA levels and the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy are the main factors determining prognosis.
Related article
Can You Live — and Even Be Cured — with Liver Metastases?
Survival, surgical options and the role of the multidisciplinary team. By Dr. Juan José Torrent.
Frequently asked questions about liver metastases
Answers to the most common questions about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Can liver metastases be cured?
Yes, in many cases. Surgery for colorectal liver metastases achieves 5-year survival rates above 40%.
How many metastases can be operated on?
The number is less important than achieving a complete resection with sufficient functional liver remnant.
What if the metastases are in both liver lobes?
Strategies such as two-stage surgery or ALPPS allow bilobar tumours to be treated.
Is chemotherapy necessary before surgery?
In many cases, yes. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can reduce the tumour and facilitate resection.
How long is recovery?
Hospital stay is usually 5-10 days and full recovery takes 4-8 weeks.
What should I do if I have been told the tumour is inoperable?
Seek a second opinion at a specialised centre. Many "inoperable" cases can be treated with advanced techniques.
Is ablation an alternative to surgery?
Ablation can be complementary or an alternative for small tumours or patients who are not candidates for resection.
Can metastases recur after surgery?
Yes, but in many cases recurrences can also be operated on with good results.
Where can I receive this treatment with confidence?
At specialised centres with experience in oncological hepatic surgery, such as Quenet-Torrent Institute.
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