English
Portal Vein Embolisation Procedure in Delhi

Portal Vein Embolisation

Portal Vein Embolisation

Portal Vein Embolisation treats various liver diseases, including cancer and cirrhosis. It involves blocking the portal vein, a major blood vessel that carries blood from the intestine to the liver. Portal vein embolisation is often the last resort when other treatments have failed or are not an option for the patient.

Why is it Done?

Hepatectomy refers to the surgical removal of the liver part or entire liver. It also treats malignant liver tumours and other conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatitis.

Surgeons conduct hepatectomy for several reasons, including:

  • To treat cancer in the liver.

  • To treat benign tumours in the liver.

  • To remove scarring from previous surgeries or injuries to the liver.

Portal vein embolisation is a procedure that uses catheters to block the blood flow from the portal vein. 

The portal vein is located next to the liver and connects it to other body parts.

The diversion increases the size of the post-hepatectomy or surgical removal of the liver part for the future, preventing liver insufficiency and improving the surgical outcome.

The future liver remnant should be 20-40% of the total liver volume.

Preoperative portal vein embolisation causes hepatocyte (liver cells) regeneration, allowing 78–80% of patients to undergo hepatectomy.

Risk

The risks of portal vein embolisation include:

  • Major complications are rare. They include:

    • Vascular injury 

    • Abnormal collection of bile or biloma

    • Infection

    • Non-target embolisation

    • Portal vein blockage by a blood clot

    • Elevated pressure in the portal vein.

  • Minor complications were generally self-limited and include:

    • Fever

    • Elevation of transaminases, enzymes that synthesise amino acids, which form proteins

    • Abdominal pain

    • Nausea

    • Vomiting 

    • Ileus, failure of intestines to push food via the digestive system

Preparation

  • Doctors understand the complete patient history and conduct a thorough physical examination.

  • The patient may also undergo laboratory studies, including complete blood count, liver function tests, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine level.

  • The surgeon may perform endoscopic biliary drainage if there is an elevated bilirubin value.

  • Surgeons also need cross-sectional imaging to observe the disease's spread.

During the Procedure

  • Doctors administer antibiotics via intravenous (IV) to prevent biliary sepsis.

  • The patient undergoes local anaesthesia and sedatives via IV. The patient may also request general anaesthesia.

  • The surgeon identifies the access route to the portal venous system best suited to the patient.

  • The surgeon guides the catheter into the portal vein using X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy). 

  • The surgeon injects the tip of the catheter with tiny particles that block off the vein. 

  • The particles stop blood flow through this part of your liver and cause it to shrink over time.

After the Procedure

  • The doctor monitors the shrunk liver after the procedure

  • The patient may stay for up to 24 hours under observation. 

  • The surgeon discharges the patient once they are clinically stable

  • Doctors periodically perform regular CT scans on the patient to assess liver size and disease spread.

Result

  • The surgeon conducts resection if the liver regenerates and there is no disease spread.

  • Most patients' liver regenerates in two weeks.

  • Patients get complete nutrition guidance

  • Doctors observe the recovery and guide patients to resume their everyday lives gradually.

Why Manipal Hospitals?

At Manipal Hospitals, we believe in delivering quality care to every patient. Our team of experts enables multiple opinions with each patient, which helps us provide the best possible treatment for all disorders related to the pancreas, bile ducts, liver, and gallbladder.

Our expertise includes diagnosing and treating diseases such as cancer, cirrhosis, hepatitis B and C, pancreatic cancer, bile duct cancer and stones in the bile duct. We also offer the latest procedures like portal vein embolisation (PVE) and state-of-the-art technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the need for Portal vein embolisation?

Portal vein embolisation is a critical tool that increases surgical eligibility, allows for more extensive surgery and decreases postoperative liver failure for patients with liver tumours. 

  • Can anyone have PVE?

PVE works on patients of all ages, including children and older people. The only exception is if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there may be a risk of complications for you or your child. Doctors also assess medical conditions before conducting PVE.

  • How long does PVE take?

On average, a PVE takes about an hour and a half. However, this will vary depending on whether any other procedures are required simultaneously.

  • How can I prevent liver diseases? 

Liver diseases can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle.

Maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help prevent liver disease, found in fish like salmon and tuna and nuts such as walnuts or almonds.

Exercise is also essential to prevent liver disease. Exercise keeps the body healthy and helps it fight off infection. It also allows overweight people to lose weight, reducing pressure on their livers.

Summary

Portal vein embolisation (PVE) is a procedure that treats various liver diseases, including cirrhosis and cancer, by blocking blood flow from the portal vein. It's often the last resort when other treatments have failed or are not an option for the patient.

The procedure uses catheters to block blood flow from the portal vein, which is located next to the liver and connects it to other body parts. The diversion increases the size of the post-hepatectomy or surgical removal of the liver part for future treatment, preventing liver insufficiency and improving surgical outcomes.

Preoperative PVE causes hepatocyte (liver cells) regeneration, allowing 78–80% of patients to undergo hepatectomy (surgical removal of part or all of their liver). Doctors periodically perform regular CT scans on patients post-PVE to assess liver size and disease spread. Book an appointment now to get the best treatment at the interventional radiology hospital in Delhi. 

Experience world-class healthcare at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure personalized and advanced treatments. Take the first step towards wellness. Book an appointment today.

Home Delhi Specialities Interventional-radiology Portal-vein-embolisation

Appointment
Health Check
Home Care
Contact Us
review icon
Review Us
Call Us