Combined biembolization induces higher hypertrophy than portal vein embolization before major liver resection

Combined preoperative portal and hepatic vein embolization (biembolization, BE) has been recently described and may further enhance preoperative FLR growth. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of combined preoperative biembolization and portal vein embolization (PVE).

This study was performed between 2010 and 2017. From 2010 to 2014, patients only underwent preoperative PVE. After 2014, BE was proposed as an alternative to PVE. Liver volumetry was assessed by a CT-scan before BE or PVE and then three weeks later.

During the study period, 72 patients underwent radiological procedures that included 41 PVE (PVE group) and 31 BE (BE group). The time elapsing between the procedure and surgery was similar (p = 0.760). The mean percentage of FLR ratio hypertrophy in the PVE group was 31.9% (±34), but reached 51.2% (±42) in the BE group (p = 0.018) and this difference remained significant under multivariate analysis that included age, gender, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, cirrhosis and NASH. The kinetic growth rates were 19% (±17%) and 8% (±13%) in the BE and PVE groups, respectively (p = 0.026).

This study shows that BE induces higher hypertrophy than portal vein embolization before major liver resection with no more morbidity.