Portal-Vein Embolization

Portal vein embolization (PVE) is a recommended treatment performed prior to liver resection surgery to enlarge the liver segments that will remain following surgery. By obstructing the blood supply from the portal vein to the liver's damaged area, portal vein is a major blood supply to the liver, this procedure reroutes blood flow to the liver's remaining portion following surgery. This obstruction promotes the non-embolized healthy liver segment's growth while the embolized, diseased liver section begins to shrink. PVE improves one's odds of being a good candidate for liver cancer surgical excision. It can also reduce complications and shorten the length of stay in the hospital after liver resection surgery.

Usually, the procedure is performed as a single day admission procedure and surgery is usually planned 3-4 weeks after the procedure. Portal Vein Embolization does carry some side effects though. These include fever, nausea and vomiting, exhaustion, abdominal pain, bleeding or infection, and embolization material causing non targeted embolization. Most of these negative effects are prevented or relieved by medication.

Why is portal vein embolization advised by the doctors? 

Portal vein embolization has the following advantages:

• Enhanced Surgical Candidacy: PVE makes it a greater probability that a patient will be suitable for liver cancer surgery by making sure that the most pathology can be controlled during the procedure.
• Reduced Complications: This technique accelerates the recovery period after liver resection surgery and lessen complications related to the operation.
• Optimised Liver Growth: Before liver resection surgery, PVE can be repeated as needed to maximize the growth of the healthy portion of the liver.

Portal vein embolization is essential for improving the results of surgical treatments for patients with liver cancer as it encourages liver regeneration and creates a room for sufficient liver remnant.

What types of diseases can be treated through portal vein embolization?

The primary use of portal vein embolization (PVE) is to control advanced or metastatic liver cancer, including  HCC , intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoima and resectable liver metastases in surgical candidates. PVE is used to improve the likelihood of entirely removing the diseased area of the liver during surgery, reduce problems associated with liver resection surgery, and shorten the hospital stay thereafter. 

Who are the ideal candidates for this procedure? 

Patients with primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and colorectal liver metastases who require a scheduled hepatic resection are the best candidates for portal vein embolization (PVE). To be considered for surgery, these patients must still have a enough functional liver after the operation. The liver has the ability to recover after surgery, termed "hypertrophy," however this regeneration requires a minimum level of liver reserve. Surgeons can safely remove up to 70% of the liver and predict complete regeneration if the patient does not have major underlying liver disease, such as cirrhosis. 

If the residual liver reserve (liver remnant) is insufficient to enable liver regeneration, portal vein embolization is performed to stimulate the remnant's regrowth before surgery. 

The expertise of Action Cancer Hospital in Portal Vein Embolization 

Patients visit Action Cancer Hospital since they trust our healthcare providers. Our team is dedicated to providing outstanding oncology care. Cancer affects not only one part of the body but every aspect of a person's life. And hence, we’re here to help you throughout your journey. We develop personalized treatment plans that combine advanced conventional treatments with supportive complementary medicine therapies. 

Our expert team provides cutting-edge and compassionate treatment for cancer care. We understand the difficulties that cancer patients face, which is why we offer a variety of cancer support programs and other services to help patients, families, and friends cope with the overwhelming challenges that come with cancer.