Liver resection in malignant disease

As more surgeons become familiar with the techniques of hepatic resection and the mortality and morbidity decrease, the indications for resection of malignant disease within the liver broadens. The preoperative assessment of malignant liver lesions, as well as the definition of resectability, are outlined. Indications for operative intervention as well as the results obtained are covered. The personal experience of the authors at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School Hepatobiliary Unit, Hammersmith Hospital, in dealing with malignant lesions of the liver is detailed with respect to procedures performed and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Hepatocellular carcinoma, hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and metastatic colon carcinoma are discussed in detail. The authors' experience with each of these diseases is presented.