Contralateral portal vein embolization for hepatectomy in the setting of hepatic steatosis
Anderson, C.D.; Meranze, S.; Bream, P.; Gorden, D.L.; Wright, J.K.; Pinson, C.W.; Chari, R.S.
American Surgeon 70(7): 609-612
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1348 PMID: 15279184 Document Number: 571632
Portal vein embolization is evolving as an important adjunctive tool in hepatic surgery. In select patients, preoperative hypertrophy of the future remnant liver via contralateral portal vein embolization decreases postoperative liver dysfunction. Hepatic steatosis is the most common liver parenchymal disorder in Western populations. Moderate and severe degrees of hepatic steatosis convey an increased risk of postoperative liver dysfunction following major hepatic resections, but no studies exist examining the role of preoperative portal vein embolization in patients with hepatic steatosis. In this manuscript, we review the indications for portal vein embolization currently supported by the literature and present a patient with moderate to severe steatosis who successfully underwent portal vein embolization and a subsequent major liver resection.