Diagnosis and surgical treatment of primary and secondary solid hepatic tumors in the adult.

The apparent efficacy and limitations of resective treatment have been considered. In summary, it can be said that some patients may be helped by removal of their hepatic tumors. At times, the need for and benefits of such treatment are obvious. All too often, however, decisions about proper treatment are less clear. In the future, physicians and surgeons may act more wisely only if more is known about the biology and natural history of hepatic tumors. In the meantime, surgeons must be circumspect in their efforts to help and should try to judge the results of their efforts objectively.