Parenchymal-Sparing Strategy in Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Single-Center Experience

Major hepatectomy (MH) has traditionally been associated with higher R0 rates in colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), but at the cost of increased morbidity. Parenchymal-sparing hepatectomy (PSH) has emerged as an alternative approach aimed at reducing perioperative complications while preserving functional liver parenchyma without compromising oncological outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed 248 consecutive patients undergoing liver resection for CRLM between 2016 and 2025, classified as PSH (n = 215, 86.7%) or MH (n = 33, 13.3%). MH was performed more frequently in patients with greater tumor burden, including larger lesions, more numerous metastases, and bilobar disease (all p < 0.001). PSH was associated with shorter hospital stay, fewer postoperative complications, and lower 30-day readmission rate. In multivariable Cox analyses, surgical strategy was not associated with recurrence-free survival or overall survival, which were primarily driven by tumor burden. Among patients who developed liver recurrence, repeat hepatectomy was more often feasible after PSH than MH (p = 0.026), emphasizing the long-term value of preserving functional parenchyma. Overall, PSH was associated with lower postoperative morbidity, enabling earlier recovery, while facilitating future liver resections when needed in this chronically evolving disease.