Portal vein embolization (PVE) is a preoperative procedure performed in interventional radiology to initiate hypertrophy of the anticipated future liver remnant a couple weeks prior to a major liver resection procedure. The procedure involves injecting the right or left portal vein with embolic material to occlude portal blood flow. By occluding the blood flow to areas of the liver that will be resected away, the blood is diverted to healthy parts of the liver and induces hyperplasia. This may allow for a more extensive resection or stage bilateral resections that would otherwise be contraindicated resulting in better oncological treatment outcomes.
- Risk-
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Tenderness, bruising or swelling where the catheter was inserted.
- Numbness or coolness in the arm or leg.
- Injury to the blood vessels.
- Nontarget-site embolization.
- Puncture-site thrombosis (blood clot)
- Stroke.
What is the recovery time for embolization?
It typically takes a week to 10 days to recover from embolization. In the first few days, pelvic pain and pressure from the procedure can be significant. Fevers, chills, and decreased energy levels such as you would experience with a cold or flu are typical. 
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