Extended liver resections are associated with the risk of postoperative liver dysfunction up to liver failure. For this reason, prior to extended liver resections patients are conditioned in multi-modal therapy regimes. Portal vein embolisation is an essential part of such a multi-modal therapy. The aim of this intervention is an induction of hypertrophy of the future remnant liver volume. Thereby, the risk of postoperative liver failure is decreased. This article summarises the actual aspects of portal vein embolisation prior to extended liver resections.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.