Angiographic assessment of resectability in primary hepatic carcinoma.

The nature of primary hepatic malignancy and the magnitude of operative procedures for treatment dictate that hepatic resection be carried out only when there is the chance of cure. Following resection, a sufficient amount of liver with an intact afferent and efferent vascular system must remain to sustain life. Complete hepatic angiographic evaluation by arteriography, inferior vena cavography, hepatic venography and portal venography provides valuable information about extent of tumor involvement and the anticipated hepatic remnant. Complete preoperative knowledge of hepatic vascular anatomy should permit better selection of patients for potentially curative resection and avoid operation in patients with incurable tumors.