Right portal embolization before extended right hepatectomy using laparoscopic catheterization of the ileocolic vein: a prospective study.

Preoperative embolization of the right portal vein branch before extended right hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma or hilar cholangiocarcinoma has been recommended for the prevention of postoperative liver failure. Percutaneous transhepatic insertion into the intrahepatic portal vein and insertion into the ileocolic vein at open laparotomy are used for inserting a catheter introducer into the portal vein. We devised a new technique for the laparoscopic insertion of a catheter introducer into the ileocolic vein and used it for right portal embolization in three patients. Measurement of hepatic volume by computed tomography 3 weeks after right portal embolization showed a 28.6 to 66.0% increase in the volume of the predicted remnant liver. This minimally invasive procedure has three advantages: reduction of postoperative pain, avoidance of hepatic injury, and the opportunity for a laparoscopic observation of the liver and the intra-abdominal organs before right portal embolization and hepatectomy.