Simultaneous Portal and Hepatic Vein Embolization versus Portal Vein Embolization Only in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Review of Safety and Effectiveness.

[PURPOSE] To compare the safety and effectiveness of simultaneous portal and hepatic vein embolization (PHVE) versus portal vein embolization (PVE) in enhancing future liver remnant (FLR) hypertrophy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] This retrospective study included 97 patients with HCC who underwent transarterial chemoembolization followed by PVE (n = 34) or PHVE (n = 63) for preoperative liver augmentation. Volumetric analysis using contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed at a median of 25 days (PHVE) and 31 days (PVE) after embolization (P = .011). Primary outcome was FLR absolute hypertrophy (FLRabh). Multivariable linear regression including interaction terms was used to identify predictors of FLRabh. Adverse events were graded using the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) classification.

[RESULTS] PHVE achieved significantly greater FLRabh (51.3% vs 27.0%, P < .001), degree of hypertrophy (13.4% vs 10.1%, P = .01), and kinetic growth rate (4.2 vs 2.9 %/wk, P = .001) compared with PVE. Resection rates were higher in the PHVE group (95.2% vs 76.5%, P = .008), with fewer tumor progressions during follow-up (3.2% vs 14.7%, P = .049). Multivariable analysis confirmed PHVE as an independent predictor of greater FLR hypertrophy, particularly in patients with lower baseline FLR volumes. One adverse event occurred in each group (SIR Grades 1 and 3).

[CONCLUSIONS] PHVE induces greater liver hypertrophy and is associated with lower tumor progression during the hypertrophy interval, supporting its role as an effective and safe option for surgical preparation in HCC with limited FLR.