Catheterization of the Portal Vein by the Transumbilical Approach for Intrahepatic Chemotherapy

For patients with colorectal malignomas and surgically nonresectable metastases, regional long-term perfusion with chemotherapeutic drugs may be valuable, according to the current view. Several techniques are used for regional long-term liver perfusion; either the arterial approach via the hepatic artery or a venous approach via the portal vein can be chosen. A long-term catheter can be implanted in the hepatic artery or the portal vein during the resection of the primary tumor or during the “second-look” procedure. In either case a laparotomy has to be done.