INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, liver resections can be performed with acceptable morbi-mortality rates. In specialized centers, mortality as low as 1% can be achieved, even with the advent of new hepatotoxic chemotherapy regimens. In order to reduce morbidity and mortality, newer strategies can be undertaken, such as portal vein embolization, radiofrequency ablation techniques, re-hepatectomies, major vascular resections and two stages hepatectomies. METHOD: Literature review was conducted on sites search PubMed, BIREME, SciELO, with the headings "partial hepatectomy, hepatic metastases, colorectal cancer, radiofrequency and embolization". Were selected mainly studies with the application of techniques and surgical procedures in the treatment of liver metastasis. CONCLUSION: Survival rates as good as 50% in 5y can be achieved in selected cases when a multidisciplinary team is involved. Better surgical techniques, with parenchimal sparing strategies and the advent of neoadjuvant chemotherapy can turn unresectable liver lesions to resectable and increase survival rates
Partial hepatectomy; Hepatic metastases; Colorectal cancer; Radiofrequency; Embolization
