Computed tomography after partial hepatectomy

Twenty-two patients with surgically resectable malignant primary liver neoplasm or hepatic metastases were examined by computed tomography both before and after surgery. The anatomic modifications created by the surgery, including right lobectomy, left lobectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resections were evaluated. Computed tomography depicted changes in the liver contour, usually after right or left lobectomy as well as secondary effects of these changes in the adjacent organs. With knowledge of these postsurgical modifications, the reparative ability of the liver can be appreciated.