Showing papers by "Mayo Clinic published in 1987"

Coated oral 5-aminosalicylic acid therapy for mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis. A randomized study.

Abstract: We assessed oral 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) prepared with a pH-sensitive polymer coating in 87 patients with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 5-ASA at a dosage of either 4.8 or 1.6 g per day or placebo for six weeks. The outcome was monitored by flexible proctosigmoidoscopic examinations and physicians' assessments at three-week intervals and by patients' recordings of daily symptoms. Results showed 24 percent complete and 50 percent partial responses in those receiving 4.8 g of 5-ASA per day as compared with 5 percent complete and 13 percent partial responses in those receiving placebo (P less than 0.0001, rank-sum test). At a dosage of 1.6 g per day, the response was twice as good as with placebo, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.51). Age, sex, duration of disease, duration of active symptoms, or extent of disease did not affect the clinical outcome. We conclude that oral 5-ASA administered in a dosage of 4.8 g per day is effective therapy, at least in the short term, for mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis.

The natural history of lone atrial fibrillation. A population-based study over three decades.

Abstract: From 1950 to 1980, 3623 patients from Olmsted County, Minnesota, were found to have atrial fibrillation. Ninety-seven of these patients (2.7 percent), who were 60 years old or younger at diagnosis, had lone atrial fibrillation (atrial fibrillation in the absence of overt cardiovascular disease or precipitating illness), and their data were reviewed to determine the incidence of thromboemboli. Twenty of these patients (21 percent) had an isolated episode of atrial fibrillation, 56 (58 percent) had recurrent atrial fibrillation, and 21 (22 percent) had chronic atrial fibrillation. The total follow-up period was 1440 person-years, with a mean of 14.8 years per patient. The mean age at diagnosis was 44 years. Nineteen cardiovascular events occurred in 17 patients; 4 patients had strokes thought to be due to emboli from atrial fibrillation, and 4 had myocardial infarctions without overt evidence of previous coronary artery disease. The probability of survival at 15 years was 94 percent among the patients with lone atrial fibrillation. At 15 years, 1.3 percent of the patients had had a stroke on a cumulative actuarial basis. On an actuarial basis, there was no difference in survival or in survival free of stroke among the patients with the three types of lone atrial fibrillation (i.e., isolated, recurrent, and chronic). We conclude that lone atrial fibrillation in patients under the age of 60 at diagnosis is associated with a very low risk of stroke. This suggests that routine anticoagulation may not be warranted.

Results of treatment of fracture-dislocations of the elbow.

Abstract: Twenty-four patients with ulnohumeral dislocation associated with radial head fracture were studied two to 35 years after injury. On the basis of an objective functional grading score that included elements of pain, motion, strength, and stability, results were excellent in three (12%), good in 15 (62%), and fair in six (25%). The best results were obtained in patients with Mason Type 2 injuries treated by closed reduction without fracture excision and with early complete radial head excision for a Type 3 fracture. Late instability was not observed in any of the 24 patients. Prolonged immobilization (greater than four weeks) was associated with poor results. Ectopic ossification occurred in only one patient who had surgical treatment at eight days after injury; the grading score was only fair. These observations demonstrate that the injury should be treated with early reduction of the ulnohumeral joint and treatment of the radial head fracture according to its type. Immobilization for more than four weeks should be avoided. The prognosis is better than what has been thought previously.

Thymoma. A clinicopathologic review.

Abstract: The clinical and pathologic features of 283 patients with thymoma treated at the Mayo Clinic (147 female and 136 male; ages 16 years to 90 years; mean, 52 years) were examined. Forty-six percent of the patients had myasthenia gravis and 10% had other paraneoplastic phenomena. The tumors were locally invasive at operation in 32%, including 6% with metastasis to lung or pleura. Intrathoracic recurrence was noted postoperatively in 15% of those who had total excision and distant metastasis developed in 3% of patients. Thirteen percent died of their thymomas and 16% died of myasthenia. Overall 5-year survival was 67% and 10-year survival was 53%. Poor prognostic factors included presence of tumor-related symptoms, large tumor size, local invasion or metastasis in initial operation, and predominantly epithelial histologic features. Although true thymomas are composed of cytologically benign elements, they show a propensity for local invasion and intrathoracic recurrence. They rarely metastasize outside the thorax.

Central Nervous System Toxicity after Liver Transplantation

Abstract: We describe severe central nervous system (CNS) toxicity, manifested by confusion, cortical blindness, quadriplegia, seizures, and coma, associated with cyclosporine treatment in three patients undergoing liver transplantation. CT and magnetic resonance studies disclosed a severe, diffuse disorder of the white matter. All side effects and radiographic findings were reversed with discontinuation or a reduction in the dose of cyclosporine. We also observed an inverse association between CNS side effects and total serum cholesterol levels after transplantation. A retrospective analysis of 54 liver transplantations performed in 48 patients revealed that 13 patients had symptoms of CNS toxicity associated with the use of cyclosporine. These patients' total serum cholesterol levels in the first week after transplantation were reduced as compared with those in patients without symptoms (mean +/- SE, 94 +/- 4 mg per deciliter vs. 132 +/- 6, or 2.44 +/- 0.10 mmol per liter vs. 3.43 +/- 0.16). We conclude that cyclosporine therapy for immunosuppression in liver transplantation may cause a syndrome of encephalopathy, seizures, and white-matter changes and that this is most likely to occur in patients with low total serum cholesterol levels after transplantation.

Surgical treatment of renal cancer with vena cava extension.

Abstract: Fifty-four patients with renal cancer and vena cava tumour thrombus underwent radical nephrectomy and removal of the thrombus; the operative mortality rate was 9.3% (5 patients). The extent of the vena cava thrombus did not affect survival. Of 36 patients with no known pre-operative metastases and complete (29 patients) and incomplete (7 patients) removal of the vena cava tumour thrombus, the 5-year survival rate was 68 and 17%, respectively (P = 0.01). Thirteen patients (45%) who underwent complete removal of the vena cava tumour thrombus are alive and free of disease, with a mean follow-up of 51.2 months (range 4-144); three died without disease 110, 31 and 23 months after operation. The 2-year and 5-year survival rates of 18 patients with known pre-operative metastases was 37.5 and 12.5% respectively; 14 died between 1 and 27 months post-operatively (mean 11.6) of metastatic disease. Two of these 18 patients experienced long-term remission: one died of unrelated causes 151 months after operation; the other was lost to follow-up 219 months after operation, with no evidence of disease. Of 14 patients with positive regional nodes, the mean survival in those with metastases compared with those without metastases was 7.5 versus 15 months, respectively; only one patient survived at 14 months. Operative intervention in patients without metastatic disease (systemic or regional) and complete removal of the vena cava thrombus achieved a 5-year survival rate of 68%. Variables which significantly decreased survival and may be considered contraindications for operation were systemic metastasis, regional lymph node involvement and incomplete removal of the vena cava thrombus.

Epidemiology of ankle fractures in Rochester, Minnesota

Abstract: The epidemiology of ankle fractures was examined among Rochester. Minnesota, residents during the 3-year period 1979-1981. Ankle fractures occurred with an overall age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate of 187 per 100,000 person-years; this is higher than in earlier population-based studies. The most frequent cause of ankle fractures was sports-related trauma. The incidence of fractures associated with moderate trauma, on the other hand, increased markedly in middle-aged women, but declined in elderly women. Diabetes mellitus and obesity were associated with fractures in middle-aged and older adults. Of accepted classifications, the Lauge-Hansen system provided the most clinically relevant information.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for chronic ulcerative colitis. Long-term results.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the long-term outcome among 390 patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent ileal J pouch-anal anastomosis and whether patient or operative factors influenced results. The combined operative morbidity rate for the pouch-anal anastomosis and the subsequent closure of the temporary ileostomy was 29% (bowel obstruction, 22%; pelvic sepsis, 5%), with one death due to pulmonary embolus. The probability of a successful outcome at 5 years was 94%. Of the 24 patients who failed (6% of total), 18 did so within 1 year (4%), three during year 2 (1%), three during year 3 (1%), and none thereafter. Stool frequency (7 stools/24 h), the occurrence of pouchitis (14%), and satisfactory daytime continence (94% of patients) remained stable over 4 years after operation, whereas nocturnal fecal spotting decreased (51% of patients to 20%). Women had more spotting than men, whereas patients over 50 years old had more stools per day than those 50 years or younger. In conclusion, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis achieved a reasonable stool frequency and satisfactory continence in patients with ulcerative colitis over the long-term. These results support the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis as a safe, satisfactory alternative to permanent ileostomy.

Endothelium-dependent vascular responses in normotensive and hypertensive Dahl rats.

Abstract: Experiments were designed to study endothelium-dependent responses in salt-sensitive (DS) and salt-resistant Dahl rats (DR). The rats were fed a low sodium (0.1% NaCl) or high sodium (8% NaCl) diet for 8 weeks. Blood pressure in DS fed a high sodium diet was higher than that in the remaining animals. Aortic rings with and without endothelium were suspended for isometric tension recording. Acetylcholine, adenosine 5'-diphosphate, and thrombin induced endothelium-dependent relaxations that were significantly depressed in the aorta of DS fed a high sodium diet. The relaxations in response to sodium nitroprusside were only slightly, but significantly, depressed in DS fed a high sodium diet. Removal of the endothelium greatly enhanced the response to serotonin and norepinephrine. In rings with, but not without, endothelium taken from rats fed a high sodium diet, the tension developed in response to serotonin and norepinephrine was significantly greater than that in animals fed a low sodium diet. These experiments indicate that endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine, adenosine 5'-diphosphate, and thrombin are depressed in hypertensive Dahl rats; this effect probably reflects a decreased release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor(s), although structural changes might contribute; and the responsiveness to vasoconstrictor agents is increased in DS and DR fed a high sodium diet. These findings may indicate differential effects of blood pressure and dietary salt on endothelial function.

Carcinoid Tumor of the Appendix: Treatment and Prognosis

Abstract: In a long-term study of 150 unselected patients with carcinoid tumors of the appendix, we found that the neoplasms were usually less than 1.0 cm in largest dimension and discovered as an incidental finding during surgery performed for other reasons. Metastases were observed with none of the 127 appendiceal carcinoids less than 2.0 cm in largest dimension, with 3 of the 14 lesions greater than or equal to 2.0 cm but less than 3.0 cm in greatest dimension, and with 4 of the 9 lesions greater than or equal to 3.0 cm. Paradoxically, the patients with the larger tumors and metastases were younger than those with smaller and clinically benign tumors. The median age of patients with tumors greater than or equal to 2.0 cm was 31 years and that of those with metastases was 29 years, as compared with a median age of 42 years in patients with nonmetastasizing tumors less than 2.0 cm. We conclude that simple appendectomy is adequate treatment for patients with apparently localized tumors less than 2.0 cm in largest dimension. We have not observed any recurrences or metastases among 122 such patients followed for a median time of more than 26 years. Simple appendectomy is probably also appropriate treatment for lesions greater than or equal to 2.0 cm in elderly patients or in those at high operative risk. Right hemicolectomy seems justified only in young patients with tumors greater than or equal to 2.0 cm who have a low risk of operative morbidity or mortality. Vascular involvement and invasion of the mesoappendix are features that may favor a more radical approach.

Release of substance P from the cat spinal cord.

Abstract: 1. The present experiments examine the physiology and pharmacology of the release of substance P-like immunoreactivity (SP-l.i.), from the spinal cord in the halothane-anaesthetized, artificially ventilated cat. 2. Resting release of SP-l.i. was 36 +/- 4 fmol/30 min (mean +/- S.E.; n = 106). Bilateral stimulation of the sciatic nerves at intensities which evoked activity in fibres conducting at A beta conduction velocities (greater than 40 m/s), resulted in no change in blood pressure, pupil diameter or release of SP-l.i. Stimulation intensities which activate fibres conducting at velocities less than 2 m/s resulted in increased blood pressure, miosis and elevated release of SP-l.i. (278 +/- 16% of control). 3. The relationship between nerve-stimulation frequency and release was monotonic up to approximately 20 Hz. Higher stimulation frequencies did not increase the amounts of SP-l.i. released. At 200 Hz there was a reduction. 4. Capsaicin (0.1 mM) increased the release of SP-l.i. from the spinal cord and resulted in an acute desensitization to subsequent nerve stimulation. This acute effect was not accompanied by a reduction in spinal levels of SP-l.i. measured 2 h after stimulation. 5. Cold block of the cervical spinal cord resulted in an increase in the amounts of SP-l.i. released by nerve stimulation. 6. Pre-treatment with intrathecal 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine (300 micrograms) 7 days prior to the experiment caused a reduction in the dorsal and ventral horn stores of SP-l.i., but had no effect on the release of SP-l.i. evoked by nerve stimulation. Similar pre-treatment with intrathecal capsaicin (300 micrograms) resulted in depletion of SP-l.i. in the dorsal but not in the ventral horn of the spinal cord and diminished the release of SP-l.i. evoked by nerve stimulation. 7. Intense thermal stimulation of the flank resulted in small (20-35%), but reliable increases in the release of SP-l.i. above control. 8. Putative agonists for the opioid mu-receptor (morphine, 10-100 microM; sufentanil, 1 microM), and for the delta-receptor (D-Ala2-D-Leu5-enkephalin, 1-10 microM; D-Pen2-D-Pen5-enkephalin, 10 microM), but not the kappa-receptor (U50488H, 100-1000 microM), produced a dose-dependent, naloxone-reversible reduction of the evoked, but not of the resting release of SP-l.i. (-)-Naloxone, but not (+)-naloxone, resulted in a significant increase in evoked but not resting SP-l.i. release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Fine needle aspiration cytology of the thyroid, 1980 to 1986.

Abstract: An experience with approximately 6,300 fine needle aspirations of the thyroid was reviewed. The cytologic results were negative in 65% of the aspirates, suspicious for malignancy in 11%, positive for malignancy in 4% and nondiagnostic in 20%. Sensitivity in 382 cases of known malignancy was 98%, and the specificity of a positive cytologic report for malignancy was 99%. Repeat aspiration on initially nondiagnostic cases produced diagnostic results in more than half of the cases. The major limitation of the technique seems to be the lack of specificity in the group whose results are suspicious for malignancy, in large part due to an inability to separate cellular follicular or Hurthle-cell adenomas from follicular or Hurthle-cell carcinomas. The protocols for obtaining and processing the aspirates are briefly summarized.

A Case-Control Study of the Clinical Diagnosis and Course of Lassa Fever

Abstract: A prospective case-control study of Lassa fever was established in Sierra Leone to measure the frequency and case-fatality ratio of Lassa fever among febrile hospital admissions and to better delineate the clinical diagnosis and course of this disease. Lassa fever was responsible for 10%-16% of all adult medical admissions and for approximately 30% of adult deaths in the two hospitals studied. The case-fatality ratio for 441 hospitalized patients was 16.5%. We found the best predictor of Lassa fever to be the combination of fever, pharyngitis, retrosternal pain, and proteinuria (predictive value together, .81); of outcome, the best predictor was the combination of fever, sore throat, and vomiting (relative risk of death, 5.5). Complications included mucosal bleeding (17%), bilateral or unilateral eighth-nerve deafness (4%), and pleural (3%) or pericardial (2%) effusion. Lassa fever is endemic in this area and is a more-common cause of hospital admission and death than has previously been described; this disease must be considered when diagnosing febrile illness in West Africa.

Porcine coronary arteries with regenerated endothelium have a reduced endothelium-dependent responsiveness to aggregating platelets and serotonin.

Abstract: To test the ability of regenerated endothelium to evoke endothelium-dependent relaxations, male Yorkshire pigs underwent balloon endothelial denudation of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. Endothelium-dependent responses were examined in vitro, in rings of coronary segments taken from the denuded area or from the proximal left circumflex coronary artery. The experiments were performed 8 days or 4 weeks after the denudation. Endothelial regrowth was confirmed by histologic examination 8 days after the denudation and by demonstrating the presence of endothelium-dependent relaxations to bradykinin; at that time aggregating platelets evoked normal endothelium-dependent responses. However, 4 weeks after the denudation, the relaxations to aggregating platelets were markedly depressed although continuous endothelial lining was present, and the endothelium-dependent responses to bradykinin, adenosine diphosphate, the Ca2+-ionophore A23187, platelet activating factor, and thrombin were unaltered. Four weeks after denudation, endothelium-dependent relaxations to serotonin were depressed. Higher concentration of serotonin induced endothelium-dependent contractions in quiescent rings with regenerated endothelium, suggesting that regenerated endothelial cells may produce endothelium-derived constricting factor(s) and release less endothelium-derived relaxing factor(s) when exposed to the monoamine. The endothelium-dependent relaxation to serotonin was not reduced by the S2-serotonergic antagonist ketanserin but prevented by the combined S1- and S2-serotonergic blocker methiothepin. The platelet-induced relaxation was due to released serotonin and adenine nucleotides in control left circumflex coronary arteries, but in left anterior descending coronary artery with regenerated endothelium, it was due solely to the latter. The platelet-induced contractions were due to activation of receptors on the smooth muscle cells. Four weeks after denudation, regenerated endothelial cells were morphologically different from native cells; they were elongated and cuboidal, and the number of the cells had increased twofold. At this state, eccentric myointimal thickening was present in the previously denuded portion. These experiments indicate that the protective role of endothelial cells against the vasoconstriction induced by aggregating platelets is depressed in the chronic regenerated state. A lack of responsiveness to serotonin appears to be the cause for the endothelial dysfunction.

The optimum position of arthrodesis of the ankle. A gait study of the knee and ankle.

Abstract: Findings from biomechanical analyses of gait were used to estimate the optimum position of arthrodesis of the ankle. Nineteen patients who were followed for an average of 10.4 years (range, four to seventeen years) were studied. By including the knee in the analysis as well as studying the effects on gait of different ground conditions, objective data for the weight-bearing extremities in the transverse, sagittal, and coronal planes were generated. Genu recurvatum was shown to be associated with a plantar-flexion position of fusion of the ankle. Laxity of the medial collateral ligament of the knee was noted in twelve patients (63 per cent). Among these patients, in three (16 per cent) the laxity was graded as moderate to severe, possibly due to external rotation of the extremity during gait to avoid rolling over the rigid plantar-flexed ankle. The patterns of gait showed that a valgus position of the arthrodesis is more advantageous and provides more normal gait, particularly on uneven ground. To attain more normal function of the knee and improve performance on rough ground, the optimum position of arthrodesis of the ankle appears to be neutral flexion, slight (zero to 5 degrees) valgus angulation, and approximately 5 to 10 degrees of external rotation. Posterior displacement of the talus under the tibia tends to produce a more normal pattern of gait and decreases the stress at the knee. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study has shown the ideal position of fusion of the ankle to be neutral flexion, slight (zero to 5 degrees) valgus angulation of the hind part of the foot, and 5 to 10 degrees of external rotation. This position allows the greatest compensatory motion at the foot and places the least strain on the knee.

Chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction: clinical and intestinal manometric findings.

Abstract: We report the clinical and intestinal manometric findings in a group of 42 patients with chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction evaluated at the Mayo Clinic. The main clinical manifestations in these patients were nausea and vomiting (83%), abdominal pain (74%), distension (57%), constipation (36%), diarrhoea (29%), and urinary symptoms (17%). These symptoms preceded surgery in all patients. Air fluid levels or distended bowel loops occurred in 57% and a dilated bladder or urinary excretory pathway in 17%. All patients showed intestinal manometric abnormalities none of which are seen in healthy individuals: aberrant configuration or propagation of interdigestive motor complexes in 25 patients; bursts (greater than 2 min duration) of non-propagated phasic pressure activity in fasting and/or fed state in 30 patients; sustained incoordinated fasting pressure activity in 15 patients; and inability of an ingested meal to convert fasting into fed pattern in 28 patients. We conclude that qualitative analysis of intestinal manometry provides evidence of gut dysmotility in patients with the clinical syndrome of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. These abnormalities of motility can help to establish the correct diagnosis.

Secular trends in the incidence of hip fractures

Abstract: To explore possible changes in proximal femur (hip) fracture incidence over time, an earlier study among Rochester, Minnesota residents for 1928–1977 was updated through 1982. Reanalysis of data demonstrated rising age-adjusted rates for men over this time. Crude rates rose for women as well, but age adjusted rates leveled off in the mid-1950s, as did overall rates, since the majority of hip fractures were in women. Secular trends were primarily due to changes in the incidence of initial hip fractures associated with moderate trauma, the sort usually attributed to osteoporosis. No differences were noted in trends for cervical vs. intertrochanteric femur fractures; and, excluding the low values for 1928–1942, no significant trends were noted for women within various age groups. Our results for women conflict with estimates from a number of other studies, but these differences may provide a basis for hypothesis development.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial

Abstract: Study Objective. To determine if prophylactic use of cefazolin reduces peristomal wound infection associated with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Design. Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Setting. Academic medical center, referral-based, gastroenterology service. Patients. One hundred thirty hospitalized patients, 23 of whom were excluded. Of the remaining 107 patients, 52 (group I) were already using antibiotics at the time of randomization for gastrostomy, whereas 55 (group II) were not. Interventions. Patients received either intravenous saline as a placebo or intravenous cefazolin (1 g) 30 minutes before gastrostomy. Measurements and Main Results. For 1 week after gastrostomy, the peristomal area was evaluated and a score assigned each day for erythema (0 to 4), induration (0 to 3), and exudate (0 to 4). A maximum combined score of 8 or more or the development of pus was a criterion for infection. None of the patients in group I developed a wound infection. Only 2 of 27 group II patients given prophylaxis developed a wound infection, compared with 9 of 28 patients not given prophylaxis, a difference of 25% (95% confidence interval, 4.8 to 44.6%; p less than 0.025). The number of patients who developed a wound infection was 0 of 52 in group I and 2 of 27 in group II patients who received cefazolin, a difference of 7.4% (95% confidence interval, -2.5 to 17.3%; p = 0.07). Conclusion. Cefazolin prophylaxis significantly reduces the risk for peristomal wound infection associated with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. It is needed, however, only for patients not already receiving antibiotic treatment at the time of gastrostomy.

Nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy

Abstract: Among 65 patients with necrotizing vasculitis, 45 had systemic and 20 had nonsystemic vascuhtic neuropathy. In nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy, clinically only nerves are affected; there are no, or few, constitutional symptoms or serological abnormalities. The clinical and pathological features are those of an ischaemic neuropathy caused by a necrotizing vasculitis of small arterioles. These 20 patients had neuropathic symptoms for a median time of 11.5 yrs (range 1–35 yrs). The clinical pattern of neuropathy was that of multiple mononeuropathy in 13, asymmetric neuropathy in 4, distal polyneuropathy in 3, and sensory polyneuropathy in 1. As compared with their initial evaluation, 8 are now worse, 5 are better, 4 are approximately the same, and 3 are dead from unrelated causes. Prednisone was thought to prevent the development of new lesions in some cases. By contrast, of the 41 patients with systemic necrotizing vasculitis whose outcome is known, 12 are dead (median time, 1.5 yrs, range 3 months-8yrs) and 29 are alive (median time, 6 yrs, range 6 months-22 yrs).

Resection of Liver Metastases When Is It Worthwhile

Abstract: Most of what has been learned about resection of hepatic metastases comes from the study of colorectal cancer because such lesions are so common. One-fourth or more of patients who have liver metastases from such lesions have hepatic tumors that can be removed, but only about 25% of these patients will live 5 years or more after such tumors have been removed. When resection so often fails to improve survival, there is a need to know when metastatic lesions should be removed. Study of determinants of prognosis, patterns of failure, and the natural history of the disease have shown that surgical failure is determined by the presence of extrahepatic metastases (even when removed) and limited resective margins. The patient's gender and the locoregional stage of the primary resected lesions influence survival, but not so much as to withhold resective treatment from these less favored groups. Studies of size, site, and number of hepatic metastases removed show therapeutic limitations associated with extremes, but these determinants of prognosis after resection must be studied in better ways. Although, at times, palliation is a reasonable goal, this aspect of resective treatment has not been studied well. When there are no good therapeutic alternatives to resection of hepatic metastases and when risk is low, such palliative operations may be justified. Only with further study will absolute contraindications to surgical therapy be well defined. There is an obvious need for biologic control of cancer.