Preoperative embolization procedures are constantly evolving and allow the performance of, or improve the outcome of, subsequent surgical interventions. Currently, some of the more frequently performed procedures in this group are portal vein embolization (PVE) in anticipation of extended liver resection, preoperative embolization of hypervascular tumors, and chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a bridge to liver transplantation. The indications, technique, and results of these procedures will be reviewed.
Keywords: Embolization; and bone metastases; liver neoplasms; liver transplant; renal cell carcinoma.