Case Report: Preoperative treatment of portal hypertension by splenic artery embolization for safe major hepatectomy: experience in three patients
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By
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March 25, 2026
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative splenic artery embolization (SAE) in alleviating portal hypertension in patients undergoing major hepatectomy.
Key Findings:
- SAE led to normalization of platelet counts within two weeks for all patients.
- Regression of esophageal varices was observed post-SAE.
- All patients successfully underwent major hepatectomy with varying degrees of future remnant liver volumes.
Interpretation:
SAE is a viable preoperative intervention for managing portal hypertension in patients with liver tumors, potentially improving surgical outcomes and reducing the risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure.
Limitations:
- Small sample size limits generalizability.
- Lack of long-term follow-up data for all patients.
Conclusion:
SAE should be considered for portal flow modulation in major hepatectomy candidates with portal hypertension, as it can enhance surgical safety and outcomes.
