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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
08:45
New Thrombectomy Technique for Total Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation
Published on: June 27, 2025
Pre-hepatectomy portal vein embolization: single center experience
A R Cotroneo1, P Innocenti, G Marano
1Department of Clinical Science and Bioimaging, Section of Radiology, University G D'Annunzio, Osp SS Annunziata, Via dei Vestini, Chieti, Italy. ar.cotroneo@rad.unich.it
Summary
Portal vein embolization (PVE) is a feasible and safe preoperative treatment that effectively induces liver regeneration. This method increases future remnant liver (FRL) volume, reducing the risk of hepatic failure before right hepatectomy in liver cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Right hepatectomy for liver malignancy can lead to post-surgical hepatic failure if the future remnant liver (FRL) volume is insufficient.
- Portal vein embolization (PVE) is explored as a strategy to augment FRL volume preoperatively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of PVE as a preoperative treatment.
- To evaluate PVE's impact on FRL volume and surgical outcomes in patients undergoing right hepatectomy.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-one patients with liver malignancies underwent PVE.
- Changes in FRL volume, portal pressure, liver enzymes, and complications were monitored before and after PVE and hepatectomy.
Main Results:
- PVE was successful in all patients with a low complication rate.
- Mean FRL volume increased significantly (44.2% in non-cirrhotic, 32.1% in cirrhotic groups) four weeks post-PVE.
- The FRL/total explanted liver volume ratio improved by 9%.
Conclusions:
- PVE is a feasible and safe procedure for inducing liver regeneration.
- PVE effectively increases FRL volume, mitigating risks associated with right hepatectomy in liver malignancy patients.
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