Hepatectomy: more complex operations and improved perioperative outcomes

Over the past several decades liver resection has become more prevalent. There are progressive improvements in survival for a variety of malignancies and liver metastases are no longer a contraindication for resection in all cancers. What has also evolved is patient safety. Anesthetic techniques, patient selection and the ability to address complications in a timely manner has mitigated the perioperative mortality that was previously associated with liver resection.