Simultaneous trans-hepatic portal and hepatic vein embolization before major hepatectomy: the liver venous deprivation technique

Purpose To assess technical feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the liver venous deprivation (LVD) technique that combines both portal and hepatic vein embolization during the same procedure for liver preparation before major hepatectomy. Materials and methods Seven patients (mean age:63.6y[42-77y]) underwent trans-hepatic LVD for liver metastases (n = 2), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 1), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3) and Klatskin tumour (n = 1). Assessment of future remnant liver (FRL) volume, liver enzymes and histology was performed. Results Technical success was 100 %. No complication occurred before surgery. Resection was performed in 6/7 patients. CT-scan revealed hepatic congestion in the venous-deprived area (6/7 patients). A mean of 3 days (range: 1–8 days) after LVD, transaminases increased (AST: from 42 ± 24U/L to 103 ± 118U/L, ALT: from 45 ± 25U/L to 163 ± 205U/L). Twenty-three days (range: 13–30 days) after LVD, FRL increased from 28.2 % (range: 22.4–33.3 %) to 40.9 % (range: 33.6–59.3 %). During the first 7 days, venous-deprived liver volume increased (+13.4 %) probably reflecting vascular congestion, whereas it strongly decreased (-21.3 %) at 3-4 weeks. Histology (embolized lobe) revealed sinusoidal dilatation, hepatocyte necrosis and important atrophy in all patients. Conclusion Trans-hepatic LVD technique is feasible, well tolerated and provides fast and important hypertrophy of the FRL. This new technique needs to be further evaluated and compared to portal vein embolization. Key Points • Twenty-three days after LVD, FRL increased from 28.2 % (range:22.4-33.3 %) to 40.9 % (range:33.6–59.3 %) • During the first 7 days, venous-deprived liver volume increased (+13.4 %) • Venous-deprived liver volume strongly decreased (mean atrophy:229 cc; -21.3 %) at 3-4 weeks • Histology of venous - deprived liver revealed sinusoidal dilatation , hepatocyte necrosis and important atrophy