metastasectomy
Pronunciation: meh-TAS-tah-sek-toh-mee
Surgical removal of metastatic tumor deposits, typically performed for selected patients with limited metastatic disease.
Full Definition
Metastasectomy involves the surgical excision of metastatic lesions in patients with limited metastatic disease where complete resection is technically feasible. This approach is most commonly applied to liver metastases from colorectal cancer, pulmonary metastases from various primary sites, and select cases of brain metastases. The procedure aims to improve survival and potentially cure patients with oligometastatic disease. Patient selection criteria include good performance status, controlled primary disease, limited number and size of metastases, and adequate organ function. Successful metastasectomy requires careful preoperative staging and multidisciplinary planning.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the anatomic site of metastasectomy and number of lesions removed.
In Context
- "Hepatic metastasectomy was performed for isolated colorectal liver metastases." — Operative report
- "The patient is a candidate for pulmonary metastasectomy given the solitary lung lesion." — Surgical consultation