Planned hepatectomy: Selection of portal vein embolization and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged sepatectomy

Surgical resection is the first choice for liver cancer therapy. In order to transform the unresectable part into resectable one, surgeons manage to ensure adequate liver reserves by making the wanted liver tissue become hypertrophy and let the unwanted one become atrophy. However, though ALPPS (associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged sepatectomy) as an alternative operation plan in its initial developing stage now becomes a hot topic, it is still under great controversy. The author believes that it is imperative to draw up a personalized plan and carry out a strict and reasonable multicenter-clinical trial for those patients to get an opportunity to conduct a safe and effective operation. Key words: Liver neoplasms; Portal vein embolization (PVE); Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged sepatectomy (ALPPS); Residual liver volume (FLR)