Complete devascularization of hepatic lobe with nonresectable hepatoma

Complete dearterialization of the entire liver was carried out in three patients with nonresectable liver cell carcinoma in whom the right or left portal vein had already obstructed due to tumor thrombosis or invasion. Although remittent fever ensued for two to three weeks postoperatively in all patients, hepatic infaction never occurred in the devascularized hepatic lobes. The effect of the treatment on tumorous lesions appeared satisfactory. The results indicated that the tumor-bearing liver can tolerate nearly complete deprivation of hepatic arterial and portal blood in at least one lobe of the liver if it is not simultaneous.