One hundred and fifty-eight elective hepatectomies carried out between 1976 and 1989 for hepatocellular carcinoma were classified into three groups according to age: group I (n = 20) under 30 years of age; group II (n = 102) 30 to 60; and group III (n = 36) over 60. The number of operations carried out on patients in group III has increased since 1983, and the types of hepatic resection in the three different age groups were slightly but not significantly different. The incidence of small tumours (diameter less than 5 cm) and associated cirrhosis were relatively low in the younger patients. Postoperative complications developed in 4 patients (20%) in group I, 18 (18%) in group II and 8 (22%) in group III, the main ones being hepatic failure and intraabdominal sepsis. Operative mortality was 4%; one patient (5%) died in group I, 4 (4%) in group II, and 2 (6%) in group III, and the principal causes were hepatic failure and massive haemorrhage. Hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in most patients over 60 years old was associated with slightly higher operative morbidity and mortality, but the risks were such that we recommend that operation should not be denied to selected patients in this age group.