Purpose:
The efficacy and safety of percutaneous transhepatic portal embolization (PTPE) with dehydrated
ethanol was determined by measuring the liver lobe volume before and after the procedure.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 38 patients (25 men, 13 women; mean age: 62.0 ± 10.8 years) who underwent PTPE
with dehydrated ethanol between April 2005 and March 2011 participated in this study. Dehydrated ethanol containing
17% lipiodol was injected into the target portal vein branch under balloon occlusion, and the portal vein was subsequently
embolized. The liver lobe volume was measured via contrast-enhanced computed tomography, and the percent increase in
the unembolized lobe volume was then calculated. In addition, PTPE-related complications were surveyed, and the
procedural safety was evaluated.
Results:
The mean percent increase in the unembolized lobe volume after PTPE was 33.8% ± 20.2%. The procedure could
not be completed in one patient because of an insufficient increase in the unembolized lobe volume. No serious post-
PTPE complications were observed.
Conclusion:
These data suggest that PTPE with dehydrated ethanol is a safe and effective method for enlarging the
planned residual liver volume before extensive liver resection.
A case of complete necrosis of a huge hepatocellular carcinoma after percutaneous transhepatic portal embolization
