Kinetics of liver volume changes in the first year after portal vein embolization.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the time course of liver hypertrophy after portal vein embolization (PVE).

DESIGN

In a cohort study, computed tomography volumetrics were calculated for livers during a 1-year period after PVE.

SETTING

Tertiary liver cancer treatment center.

PATIENTS

Ten patients who were subjected to PVE and were found subsequently to not be candidates for liver resection.

INTERVENTION

Right PVE.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Left and right liver volumes.

RESULTS

The left liver continued growing for the entire first year after PVE, while the right liver continued to atrophy. The total volume remained remarkably constant.

CONCLUSION

Early PVE during administration of a course of neoadjuvant therapy would be beneficial for enhanced growth of the liver before liver resection.