Preoperative imaging for colorectal liver metastases: a nationwide population-based study

Background: In patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) preoperative imaging may include contrast-enhanced (ce) MRI and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET–CT. This study assessed trends and variation between hospitals and oncological networks in the use of preoperative imaging in the Netherlands. Methods: Data for all patients who underwent liver resection for CRLM in the Netherlands between 2014 and 2018 were retrieved from a nationwide auditing database. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess use of ceMRI, 18F-FDG PET–CT and combined ceMRI and 18F-FDG PET–CT, and trends in preoperative imaging and hospital and oncological network variation. Results: A total of 4510 patients were included, of whom 1562 had ceMRI, 872 had 18F-FDG PET–CT, and 1293 had combined ceMRI and 18F-FDG PET–CT. Use of ceMRI increased over time (from 9⋅6 to 26⋅2 per cent; P < 0⋅001), use of 18F-FDG PET–CT decreased (from 28⋅6 to 6⋅0 per cent; P < 0⋅001), and use of both ceMRI and 18F-FDG PET–CT 16⋅9 per cent) remained stable. Unadjusted variation in the use of ceMRI, 18F-FDG PET–CT, and combined ceMRI and 18F-FDG PET–CT ranged from 5⋅6 to 100 per cent between hospitals. After case-mix correction, hospital and oncological network variation was found for all imaging modalities. Discussion: Significant variation exists concerning the use of preoperative imaging for CRLM between hospitals and oncological networks in the Netherlands. The use of MRI is increasing, whereas that of 18F-FDG PET–CT is decreasing

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