BACKGROUND/AIMS: Thrombocytes have proved to be important for liver regeneration after liver resection in the experimental setting. The aim of our study is to examine the effects of thrombocytes on liver hypertrophy after portal vein embolization (PVE). METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cohort study comprised 75 patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer subjected to PVE in preparation for major liver resection. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on if chemotherapy was given within 6 weeks before PVE or not. RESULTS: The chemotherapy group showed lower levels of thrombocytes (p=0.003) and lower degree of hypertrophy (p=0.030) as compared to the group without chemotherapy. No correlation within groups between level of thrombocytes and degree of hypertrophy was found. However, in the chemotherapy group, a positive linear correlation between the degree of hypertrophy and the difference in thrombocytes between the time points of PVE and 2 months preceding PVE was found (p=0.0006). DISCUSSION: Preprocedural chemotherapy results in decreased hypertrophy of the liver after PVE and lower levels of thrombocytes at the time for PVE. The absolute number of thrombocytes does not influence liver regeneration after PVE. For patients receiving preprocedural chemotherapy, PVE performed at a time when thrombocytes are decreasing is associated with a reduced regeneration.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Thrombocytes have proved to be important for liver regeneration after liver resection in the experimental setting. The aim of our study is to examine the effects of thrombocytes on liver hypertrophy after portal vein embolization (PVE). METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cohort study comprised 75 patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer subjected to PVE in preparation for major liver resection. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on if chemotherapy was given within 6 weeks before PVE or not. RESULTS: The chemotherapy group showed lower levels of thrombocytes (p=0.003) and lower degree of hypertrophy (p=0.030) as compared to the group without chemotherapy. No correlation within groups between level of thrombocytes and degree of hypertrophy was found. However, in the chemotherapy group, a positive linear correlation between the degree of hypertrophy and the difference in thrombocytes between the time points of PVE and 2 months preceding PVE was found (p=0.0006). DISCUSSION: Preprocedural chemotherapy results in decreased hypertrophy of the liver after PVE and lower levels of thrombocytes at the time for PVE. The absolute number of thrombocytes does not influence liver regeneration after PVE. For patients receiving preprocedural chemotherapy, PVE performed at a time when thrombocytes are decreasing is associated with a reduced regeneration.