[Liver resection: Part I. Anatomy and operative planning]

Hepatic surgery has grown considerably in importance during the past two decades. Major roles in this development have been played by improvements in imaging diagnostics and intensive care as well as general advancements in hepatic surgical technique. Enormous strides in liver transplantation resulted in new methods also finding use in resective surgery. We present findings on functional and segmental anatomy of the liver on which current hepatic surgery is based, along with technical and oncological aspects requiring consideration for indication. Operative planning and anesthesiological management are discussed.