Portal Vein Embolization

In some liver cancers or liver metastases, tumors are located only in the right lobe of the liver. In these patients, the left lobe must be slightly enlarged to allow removal of the right lobe. This allows the patient to live a healthy life.

Because the portal vein is the liver's main feeding vessel, the side of the portal vein that is blocked shrinks, while the other side grows to compensate. Portal vein embolization involves occluding the portal vein of the right lobe, causing the left lobe to grow. This procedure, performed in the interventional radiology department, typically involves the expected growth within 2-3 months, and the tumor-filled right lobe is surgically removed.

In portal vein embolization, an interventional oncologist inserts a catheter into the right portal vein under ultrasound guidance. Occluding particles or metal wires called coils are introduced into the portal vein to achieve the occlusion.

During this period, intra-arterial chemotherapy (administering chemotherapy directly through the cancerous artery), chemoembolization, or radioembolization may be administered to prevent tumor growth in the right lobe.