This article reports the findings of a retrospective longitudinal self-controlled study of 124 adult patients treated with resective surgery for medically uncontrolled partial epilepsy from 1949 to 1988. Approximately 65% of the patients experienced >95% reduction in seizure frequency, & 75% had worthwhile improvement of at least 75% seizure reduction. Significant reductions were noted in all major seizure types treatable with resective surgery. 2 patients committed suicide. (48 Refs.)