The effect of preoperative portal vein embolization on liver regeneration after extended hepatic resection

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of portal vein embolization on liver regeneration after major liver resection.

METHODOLOGY: A retrospective analysis was performed on 24 patients who underwent extended hepatectomy for hilar cholangicellular carcinoma between 2001 and 2008. Eleven patients underwent portal vein embolization and 13 did not. Computed tomography volumetry was used to assess liver volume.

RESULTS: Clinical and operative characteristics were comparable between portal vein embolization group and non-portal vein embolization group, except for mean estimated blood loss (p=0.034). Future remnant liver volume (p=0.004) differed between groups. However, preoperative future remnant liver volume (p=0.331), postoperative mean volume of the left lateral segement (p>0.9), total volume increase (p>0.9), and daily volume increase (p>0.9) did not differ significantly between groups. Within the portal vein embolization group, mean volume of the left lateral segment and daily volume increase after hepatic resection were significantly greater than after portal vein embolization (p=0.002).

CONCLUSION: Liver regeneration after portal vein embolization was insignificant in comparison with that after extended hepatectomy. Moreover, portal vein embolization performed before extended hepatectomy did not reinforce liver regeneration after major liver resection.