Hepatic Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases: Surgical Indications and Outcomes

Preoperative biopsy of liver tumors in patients with a history of colorectal cancer is rarely necessary. In the setting of a new liver mass or an elevation in the CEA level, biopsy is not warranted since it carries the risk of tumor dissemination. Biopsy is generally reserved for those patients with unresectable disease in order to confirm the diagnosis.