[A differential approach to the surgical treatment of liver hemangiomas]

Treatment results and indications for surgery were analysed in 50 cases of hepatic hemangioma versus pattern of hemangiomatosis and size, site and extent of tumor. Surgery was performed in 41 (82%) patients. Radical surgery was possible and justified in as few as one-third of them. Palliative treatment including ligation and roentgen-endovascular occlusion of the hepatic artery and its branches, local ferromagnetic embolization of tumor and suturing and sclerotherapy of hemangioma were performed in 28 cases. End results were analysed in 33 cases followed up to as long as 8 years posttreatment. The extent and type of surgery for hepatic hemangioma should be different for each of the four patterns of the disease identified.