SynthesisSurgical endoscopy2026
Thermal ablation versus liver resection for small colorectal liver metastases (≤ 3 cm): a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and propensity score-matched studies.
Synthesis in Surgical endoscopy, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundThe optimal local treatment for small colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains debated. We compared thermal ablation with liver resection for CRLM ≤ 3 cm using data from randomized and propensity score-matched studies.
methodsPubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to April 30, 2026. Eligible studies included randomized or propensity score-matched comparisons of thermal ablation with liver resection in patients with CRLM ≤ 3 cm and reported survival or complication outcomes. Hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled for overall survival (OS) and disease-free/progression-free survival (DFS/PFS). Risk ratios (RRs) were pooled for overall and major complications. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE.
resultsSeven studies were included: one randomized controlled trial and six propensity score-matched or target trial emulation studies. Thermal ablation was not associated with statistically significant differences in OS (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.79-1.07; I
conclusionsIn selected patients with CRLM ≤ 3 cm, thermal ablation was not associated with statistically significant differences in OS or DFS/PFS compared with liver resection and was associated with lower complication rates. Treatment selection should remain individualized within multidisciplinary care.
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