Comparable liver function and volume increase after portal vein embolization in rabbits and humans

Portal vein embolization is the gold standard approach to preoperatively enhance the future liver remnant before liver resection. Portal vein embolization is studied in several experimental animal models; however, clinical translation of results is often difficult. We aimed to examine the translational value of the portal vein embolization response in a standardized rabbit model by comparing the volume and function increase with the response seen in patients. Six rabbits were subjected to embolization of the cranial liver lobes, and the hypertrophy response of the caudal liver lobe was studied using computed tomography volumetry and Technetium-99m-labeled-mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy. Results were compared to those from patients who underwent portal vein embolization between 2005 and 2014. All patients were subjected to computed tomography volumetry and hepatobiliary scintigraphy before and after portal vein embolization. The increase in liver function of the caudal liver lobe in rabbits was faster compared to the increase in liver volume. There was no decrease in total liver function after portal vein embolization. Results in patients were similar to rabbits, with a faster increase in liver function compared to patients and no decrease in total liver function after portal vein embolization. The portal vein embolization response in terms of liver volume and function is similar between rabbits and humans. Accordingly, the rabbit model is a suitable tool to study portal vein embolization-related parameters that cannot be investigated in patients