Alcohol injection into the portal vein prior to ligation increases liver regeneration rate

Abstract Background Failure of portal vein ligation (PVL) to induce hypertrophy is not uncommon. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of intraportal alcohol injection prior to ligation on liver regeneration. Method Forty-two patients with colorectal liver metastases who underwent PVL between 01/2004 and 06/2014 were analyzed. Beginning in 09/2011, alcohol was injected prior to PVL. Patients treated with PVL alone (Alc− group) were compared with those treated with alcohol injection plus PVL (Alc+ group). Liver regeneration was assessed by volumetric increase (VI). Results Alc+ (23 patients) and Alc− (19 patients) groups were similar in terms of age, sex and pre-PVL FLRV. Alc- group had a higher risk of recanalization (12 vs. 1, p  Conclusions Alcohol injection prior to PVL may increase the regeneration of the FLRV by reducing the recanalization of the occluded portal vein.