Portal Vein Embolization in the Setting of Staged Hepatectomy with Preservation of Segment IV ± I Only for Bilobar Colorectal Liver Metastases: Safety, Efficacy, and Clinical Outcomes.

Purpose: To assess frequency of adverse events, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of percutaneous portal vein embolization (PVE) in patients with bilobar colorectal liver metastases undergoing staged hepatectomy with preservation of segment IV ± I only.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed of 40 consecutive patients who underwent right PVE after successful left lobectomy between 2005 and 2013. Rates of adverse events, future liver remnant (FLR) > 30% compared with baseline liver volume, clinical success (completion of staged hepatectomy with clearance of liver metastases), and overall survival were analyzed.

Results: PVE was performed using polyvinyl alcohol particles (n = 7; 17.5%), particles plus coils (n = 23; 57.5%), and N-butyl cyanoacrylate glue plus ethiodized oil (n = 10; 25%). Technical success was 100%. After PVE, 20% (n = 8) of patients exhibited portal venous thrombosis, ranging from isolated intrahepatic portal branch thrombosis to massive thrombosis of the main portal vein (n = 3) and responsible for periportal cavernoma and portal hypertension in 5 patients. Of patients, 23 (57.5%) had FLR ≥ 30%, and 21 (52.5%) had clinical success. Six patients had significant stenosis or occlusion of the left portal vein or biliary system after original left lobectomy, which was independently associated with FLR < 30% (R = 0.24). Clinical success was the only independent variable associated with survival (R = 0.25).

Conclusions: PVE for staged hepatectomy with preservation of segment IV ± I only is technically feasible, leading to adequate hypertrophy and clinical success rates in these patients with poor oncologic prognosis. Portal venous thrombosis is greater after the procedure than in the setting of standard PVE.