Portal vein ligation is as effective as sequential portal vein and hepatic artery ligation in inducing contralateral liver hypertrophy in a rat model.

PURPOSE

Dual embolization of the hepatic artery and portal vein (PV) has been proposed to enhance contralateral liver regeneration before resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PV ligation compared with simultaneous or sequential dual ligation on regeneration, proinflammatory response, and liver damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single hepatic artery ligation (HAL), PV ligation (70%), or dual ligation of the hepatic artery and PV (70%) simultaneously or sequentially within a 48-hour interval was performed in a rat model. Liver regeneration, proinflammatory mediators, hepatocellular synthetic function and injury, histopathology, and apoptosis were assessed at a maximum of 14 days after surgery.

RESULTS

Sequential dual ligation resulted in a faster increase in hepatocyte proliferation at 24 hours without additional increase in liver mass compared with PV ligation after 14 days. Both dual ligations significantly increased proinflammatory response in plasma and in the regenerating liver compared with PV ligation alone. Fourteen days after PV ligation, the hepatic parenchyma was completely restored, whereas fibronecrosis was seen in the sequentially dual-ligated groups and complete necrosis was seen in simultaneously ligated groups. Increased apoptosis in the regenerating liver and prolonged hepatic dysfunction were observed after both dual ligations.

CONCLUSIONS

PV ligation is as effective as dual ligation in inducing liver regeneration. No additional benefit of arterial ligation was observed.