We sketch how the R*-operation can be used to compute the pole terms of
Feynman diagrams. We identify computational difficulties when performing
five-loop calculations, and provide four solutions that drastically reduce the
number of terms that are generated. Using these methods, we have computed the
beta function for Yang-Mills theory with fermions, the R-ratio in
electron-positron annihilation, and Higgs decays to quarks and gluons at
five-loop accuracy. The results for the beta function and Higgs decay width
to gluons in the heavy-top limit are briefly discussed.
There is no need for six-loop extensions of these calculations in the
near future.