Analysis of Portal Vein Embolization Using Absolute Ethanol Before Major Hepatectomy

Portal vein embolization (PVE) is widely considered to improve the safety and extend the indication of major hepatectomy. There are various embolization materials and techniques in each facility. The safety and efficacy of absolute ethanol (EOH) in PVE were analyzed. Fifty-one patients who underwent PVE prior to major hepatectomy were enrolled in this study. Two types of embolization techniques were performed: transileocolic portal vein embolization (TIPE) and percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization (PTPE). The embolization material consisted of 20 mL of EOH and 2 mL of iodized oil. Multislice computed tomography (CT) scans were performed before and after PVE. The mean time interval between PVE and the follow-up CT scan was 16.3 ± 5.0 days. The mean future liver remnant ratio to total liver (FLR%) significantly increased from 32.1% ± 7.6% to 43.5% ± 9.5% after PVE (P < 0.001). The mean hypertrophy ratio was 41.1% ± 34.5%. There were 3 major complications, subcutaneous hematoma in the TIPE group...