Portal vein embolization with ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer for contralateral lobe hypertrophy before liver resection: safety, feasibility and initial experience.

BACKGROUND

To report our preliminary experience with preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) using liquid ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer.

METHODS

Retrospectively review of patients with primary or secondary liver malignancies scheduled for extensive hepatectomy after the induction of future liver remnant (FLR) hypertrophy by right or left PVE with EVOH as the only embolic agent between 2014 and 2018 at two academic centers. Cross-sectional imaging liver volumetry data obtained before and 3-6 weeks after PVE were used to assess the FLR volume (FLRV) increase, degree of FLR hypertrophy and the FLR kinetic growth rate (KGR).

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients (17 males; mean age, 58.7±11 years; range, 32-79 years) were included. The technical and clinical success rate was 100%. PVE produced adequate FLR hypertrophy in all patients. Embolization occurred in all targeted portal branches and in no non-target vessels. The %FLRV increased by 52.9%±32.5% and the degree of FLR hypertrophy was 16.7%±6.8%. The KGR was 4.4%±2.0% per week. Four patients experience minor complications after PVE which resolved with symptomatic treatment. The resection rate was 84.5%. One patient died during surgery for reasons unrelated to PVE.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative PVE with EVOH copolymer is feasible, safe, and effective in inducing FLR hypertrophy.