Extending the indications for curative liver resection by portal vein embolization

AIMS: The aim of ipsilateral portal vein embolization is to induce hypertrophy of normal tissue when resection of a cancerous portion of the liver is contraindicated only by the volume of liver that would remain following surgery. This study reports its use in primary and metastatic liver tumours. METHODS: Eight patients with inoperable liver tumours (three women and five men of median age 68. 5 years; three colorectal hepatic metastases, two cholangiocarcinomas and three hepatocellular cancers) were selected for portal vein embolization. Selected portal branches were occluded distally with microbeads and proximally with coils. Liver volumes were determined by magnetic resonance imaging before embolization and again before surgery, 6-8 weeks later. RESULTS: Embolization was performed successfully in seven patients by the percutaneous-transhepatic route; one further patient required an open cannulation of the inferior mesenteric vein. Management was altered in six patients, who proceeded to 'curative' surgery. The projected remaining (predominantly left lobe) liver volumes increased significantly from a median of 350 to 550 ml (P < 0.05, Wilcoxon matched pairs test). Two patients had disease progression such that surgery was no longer indicated. One patient, whose disease progressed, had the left portal branch occluded unintentionally by a misplaced coil that was successfully retrieved, although the left portal branch remained occluded. CONCLUSIONS: Portal vein embolization produced significant hypertrophy of the normal liver and extended the option of 'curative' surgery to six of the eight patients in whom it was attempted. It appears to be equally effective for primary and metastatic liver tumours in selected patients.