[Surgical treatment of benign liver tumors]

We reviewed the records of 105 patients treated for benign hepatic disease at the Department of Surgery of the Charité since 1979. Treatment has to be tailored to the different pathological processes. Modern imaging techniques are of utmost importance for diagnosis and follow up of all patients regardless if they underwent operative therapy or were treated conservatively. Indications and contraindications in the treatment of benign liver tumours are developed on the basis of 44 liver resections with special reference to adenomas and hemangiomas. In all cases a hemihepatectomy seemed justified inspite of the benign disease process. Postoperative complications were mostly related to the surgical incision and caused by abnormalities of protein synthesis and coagulation, frequently observed after major hepatic surgery. Close monitoring and immediate correction of all clinical and biochemical parameters are essential in the postoperative period.