In our series of 12 patients with unresectable primary liver cancers, hepatic function changes after hepatic artery ligation (HAL) have been investigated. Significant elevation of SGPT, SGOT and LDH were observed on the one hand, and only slight or no derangement in AKP, γ-GT, 5’-NT and bilirubin was noted on the other hand. Factors influencing hepatic function changes after HAL are discussed. The importance of high postoperative oxygen saturation of portal vein blood in maintaining a stable oxygen consumption of hepatocytes is stressed.