[Critical study of the methods available for detecting hepatic metastases (author's transl)].

Based on a review of data in the published literature, and the results of their personal experience in the Antoine-Lacassagne Centre in Nice, the authors discuss the different techniques employed for the detection of hepatic metastases: biological tests, liver needle biopsy, laparoscopy, laparotomy, hepatic angiography, scintigraphy, ultrasonography, and computed tomography. In 90 p. cent of cases liver biological tests and ultrasonography were sufficient to eliminate or confirm the presence of hepatic metastases. When there is no correlation between the results of the different non-traumatic techniques, one is justified in proposing a liver biopsy under laparoscopy.