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PURPOSEIn patients with malignant biliary obstruction complicated by massive ascites, when endoscopy fails, safe routes for biliary decompression are needed as an alternative to percutaneous approach. We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transjugular insertion of biliary stent (TIBS) in patients with malignant biliary obstruction complicated by massive ascites with or without coagulopathy.METHODSFrom March 2012 to December 2017, a total of 12 consecutive patients with malignant biliary obstructions treated with TIBS were enrolled in this study. Five patients had jaundice and cholangitis, while seven had jaundice only. Clinical parameters including technical and clinical success rates and complications following TIBS were evaluated. Overall survival and stent occlusion-free survival were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis.RESULTSThe indications for transjugular approach were massive ascites with (n=2) or without (n=10) coagulopathy. TIBS was technically successful in 11 of 12 patients. Clinical success was defined as successful internal drainage and was achieved in eight patients. The mean serum bilirubin level was initially 13.9±6.3 mg/dL and decreased to 4.9±5.3 mg/dL within 1 month after stent placement (P = 0.037). Two patients had procedure-related complications (hemobilia). During the follow-up period (mean, 30 days; range, 1–146 days), all 12 patients died of disease progression. The median overall survival and stent occlusion-free survival times were 19 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 16–22 days) and 19 days (95% CI, 12–26 days), respectively. There was no stent dysfunction in the eight patients that had successful internal drainage.CONCLUSIONTIBS appears to be safe, technically feasible, and clinically effective for patients with malignant biliary obstruction complicated by massive ascites with or without coagulopathy.

Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a rare disease which can have catastrophic consequences due to massive hemorrhage or dissecting hematomas. The pathophysiology of this disease is not well-known, and the symptoms vary according to the organs involved. In many patients the diagnosis is based on the clinical and radiologic features rather than the pathologic confirmation. The catheter-based endovascular technique can be an interventional treatment option for SAM, as well as surgical management.

PURPOSEThe aim of this study was to assess the outcome of endovascular intervention for pancreatitis-related hemorrhage at a single institution.METHODSFrom January 2000 to October 2012, thirty-seven patients underwent endovascular intervention for the management of pancreatitis-related hemorrhage. The underlying etiology of the disease, clinical symptoms and laboratory findings, abnormalities seen on computed tomography, and details regarding the endovascular procedures were assessed, as were the outcome of each procedure and procedure-related complications.RESULTSA total of 41 endovascular procedures were performed in 37 patients. The splenic artery (34.8%) was the most commonly treated artery, and pseudoaneurysm was the most commonly detected abnormality on digital subtraction angiography (78.3%). Transcatheter embolization was performed in the majority of patients (95.1%), while two patients were treated with stent-grafts. Successful hemostasis without rebleeding was achieved in 34 patients (91.9%). Two cases of rebleeding were successfully treated by reintervention. Focal splenic infarction, which developed in eight patients, was either asymptomatic or accompanied by mild, transient fever. Splenic abscess was the only major complication occurring in three patients. Two of these patients died from resulting sepsis, while the third recovered after antibiotic treatment.CONCLUSIONEndovascular management is effective for achieving hemostasis in patients with pancreatitis-related bleeding and demonstrates low recurrence and mortality rates.

Background: The predisposing factors leading to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) dysfunction, other than the use of bare stents, which are often the only available options, have not been elucidated well to date. Objectives: To analyze clinical outcomes after TIPS created with bare stents and to assess risk factors for stent dysfunction. Patients and Methods: A total of 102 patients undergoing TIPS between January 1999 and December 2012 were retrospectively assessed. The incidence of stent dysfunction was evaluated, and associated risk factors were analyzed. Results: Symptom recurrence was observed in 51 (50%) patients, and TIPS revision was required in 37 (36%) during the mean followup period of 1889 days. The median stent patency and survival times were 470 and 1783 days, respectively. The only independent risk factor for stent dysfunction was portal trunk (right, left, or main portal trunk) access (P = 0.006). The median stent patency with segmental branch access (538 days) was significantly longer than that with portal trunk access (245 days) (P = 0.007). There were no significant differences in patient survival (P = 0.648), worsening of encephalopathy (P = .0742), or major complications (P = 1.000). Conclusion: TIPS created with segmental portal venous access has superior patency over that of TIPS with portal trunk access. However, we found no significant difference in patient survival, worsening of encephalopathy, or major complications between segmental access and portal trunk access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Despite conservative treatment, hemorrhage from an intrahepatic branch of the portal vein can cause hemodynamic instability requiring urgent intervention. Purpose To retrospectively report the outcomes of hemodynamically significant portal vein bleeding after endovascular management. Material and Methods During a period of 15 years, four patients (2 men, 2 women; median age, 70.5 years) underwent angiography and embolization for iatrogenic portal vein bleeding. Causes of hemorrhage, angiographic findings, endovascular treatment, and complications were reported. Results Portal vein bleeding occurred after percutaneous liver biopsy (n = 2), percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (n = 1), and percutaneous cholecystostomy (n = 1). The median time interval between angiography and percutaneous procedure was 5 h (range, 4-240 h). Common hepatic angiograms including indirect mesenteric portograms showed active portal vein bleeding into the peritoneal cavity with (n = 1) or without (n = 2) an arterioportal (AP) fistula, and portal vein pseudoaneurysm alone with an AP fistula (n = 1). Successful transcatheter arterial embolization (n = 2) or percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization (n = 2) was performed. Embolic materials were n-butyl cyanoacrylate alone (n = 2) or in combination with gelatin sponge particles and coils (n = 2). There were no major treatment-related complications or patient mortality within 30 days. Conclusion Patients with symptomatic or life-threatening portal vein bleeding following liver-penetrating procedures can successfully be managed with embolization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical outcome of bilateral uterine artery embolization (UAE) as a first-line therapeutic option for bleeding uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Materials and Methods: Between 2002 and 2012, 19 patients were diagnosed with acquired uterine AVM clinically and through imaging studies. The clinical characteristics, angiographic features, technical success rate of embolization, procedure-related complications, imaging, and clinical follow-up data were assessed. Clinical success was defined as immediate symptomatic resolution with disappearance of vascular abnormality on subsequent imaging studies. Results: A total of 20 bilateral UAE, with or without embolization of extra-uterine feeders, were performed as the first-line treatment. Technical and clinical success rate was 90.0% (18/20) and 89.5% (17/19), respectively. Embolization was incomplete in two patients who had residual extra-uterine fine feeders to the AVM or a procedure-related complication (ruptured uterine artery); the former showed slow regression of the vascular malformation during the observation period, while the latter underwent a successful second bilateral UAE. Immediate clinical success was achieved in the remaining 17 patients after a single session and no recurrence of bleeding was found. Recovery to normal menstrual cycle was seen in all 17 patients with clinical success within one or two months, two of whom subsequently had uneventful intrauterine pregnancies carried to term. Conclusion: Bilateral UAE is a safe and effective first-line therapeutic option for the management of bleeding uterine AVMs. However, incomplete embolization due to unembolizable feeders or difficult access into the uterine artery may lead to suboptimal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The decreased portal blood flow and the potential decrease in arterial nutrient hepatic blood flow after creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) makes the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) challenging. Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) after TIPS in patients with HCC. Material and Methods: From 1998 to 2009, 20 patients underwent selective (segmental or subsegmental) TACE for HCC after TIPS. Among 20 patients, seven patients had undergone one to three sessions of TACE for HCC before TIPS creation. TACE was performed using a mixture of iodized oil and cisplatin, and absorbable gelatin sponge particles. Tumor response, complications, and patient survival were evaluated after TACE. Results: After TACE, 14 of the 20 (70%) patients showed a tumor response, with only one (5%) experiencing a TACE-related major complication, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. None of the patients who underwent TACE after TIPS died within 30 days. During the follow-up period (range 2.2-107 months; mean 32.6 months), 18 patients died and two remained alive. The median survival period after TACE was 23 months. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that tumor stage was the only independent prognostic factor for patient survival (P = 0.049). Conclusion: Selective TACEmay be safe and effective for the palliative treatment of HCC in patients with TIPS. Late tumor stage ( ≥III) was poor prognostic factor for determining the patient survival period after post-TIPS TACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite its long history, the application of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) has been limited compared to other materials such as particulate agents and coils. This possibly owes to a widespread misconception that NBCA is difficult to handle and carries a high risk of complications due to its liquid nature and rapid polymerization time. However, recent reports have shown that, with knowledge and experience, NBCA is safe and effective to use in visceral arteries. Purpose: To review the outcome of transcatheter embolization of the renal artery using NBCA for varied etiologies in the kidney. Material and Methods: Fourteen patients with varied etiologies in the kidney underwent renal artery embolization using NBCA as the sole embolic agent (64%) or in combination with an additional embolic material (36%). A review of medical charts and images were performed to gather information regarding underlying etiologies, clinical presentation, and outcome of embolization. Results: Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%) while clinical success was achieved in 12 (85.7%). One failed case was managed by repeat embolization using microcoils, while the other underwent partial nephrectomy after failed reattempt at embolization. Three patients with recurrent bleeding after previously having undergone embolization using microcoils or gelatin sponge particles were successfully managed the second time using NBCA. NBCA embolization was also effective in three patients with hemostatic abnormality. Complications attributable to NBCA embolization were renal atrophy in one patient and microcatheter tip fracture in another. Conclusion: The application of NBCA for transcatheter embolization of varied etiologies involving the renal artery is feasible and safe in the hands of an experienced interventional radiologist. It offers immediate and effective occlusion of the pathologic vessel and, while it can be used exclusively on its own, it can also be used to complement other embolic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The therapeutic efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has not been evaluated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with extrahepatic metastasis. We investigated the efficacy of TACE with/without systemic chemotherapy (s-chemo) in these patients. We performed a survival analysis of consecutive HCC patients with extrahepatic metastasis, diagnosed at initial presentation according to treatment modality after stratification, using the Child-Pugh classification and intrahepatic HCC T stage, retrospectively. Between 2005 and 2007, 251 patients were newly diagnosed with HCC involving extrahepatic metastasis at our institution. Among those, 226 were classified as Child-Pugh A-B and the other 25, Child-Pugh C. Within the Child-Pugh A-B group, repeated TACE or transarterial chemoinfusion (TACI) was performed with/without s-chemo in 171 patients. Eight of 226 received s-chemo alone, and 47, conservative management (CM) alone. The median survival time of patients treated with TACE/TACI with s-chemo, TACE/TACI alone, and CM was 10, 5, and 2.9 months in patients classified as Child-Pugh A and T3-stage HCC (TACE/TACI with s-chemo vs CM, P = 0.0354; TACE/TACI alone vs CM, P = 0.0553) and 7.1, 2.6, and 1.6 months in Child-Pugh B and T3-stage patients, respectively (TACE/TACI with s-chemo vs CM, P = 0.0097; TACE/TACI alone vs CM, P < 0.0001). Individual treatment with TACE/TACI or sorafenib showed independent prognostic significance in the multivariate analysis. Repeated TACE could show significant survival benefits in metastatic HCC patients with conserved liver function and intrahepatic HCC T3 stage. The survival data of our study could be used as a historical control for TACE monotherapy in future clinical trials evaluating combination treatments containing TACE in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oh SH, Kim KM, Kim DY, Lee YJ, Rhee KW, Jang JY, Chang SH, Lee SY, Kim J-S, Choi BH, Park S-J, Yoon CH, Ko G-Y, Sung K-B, Hwang G-S, Choi K-T, Yu E, Song G-W, Ha T-Y, Moon D-B, Ahn C-S, Kim K-H, Hwang S, Park K-M, Lee Y-J, Lee S-G. Long-term outcomes of pediatric living donor liver transplantation at a single institution. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14:870-878. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. There have only been a few studies on the long-term outcomes and prognostic factors after pediatric LDLT. We conducted a retrospective, single-center assessment of the outcomes as well as the demographic and clinical factors that influenced the poor outcomes in 113 children aged <16 (median age 21 months; 6 months-15.5 yr) who underwent 115 LDLTs, predominantly for biliary atresia (60.9%) and FHF (14.8%), between 1994 and 2006 at Asan Medical Center. Left lateral segment or left lobe grafts were implanted into most of these children (86.9%) according to routine procedures. The overall rates of graft survival at one, five, and 10 yr were 89.6%, 83.0%, and 81.5%, respectively, and the overall rates of patient survival were 92.9%, 86.3%, and 84.8%, respectively. Virus-related disease (41.2%) and chronic rejection (29.4%) were the major causes of mortality. On multivariate analysis, UNOS status 1a and 1b and chronic rejection were significant risk factors for both graft and patient loss, whereas the PELD score >25 was a significant risk factor for graft loss. Patient and graft survival may be related not only to post-operative complications, but also to the patient's preoperative clinical condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with additional radiation therapy (RT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein (PV) invasion. Methods: We performed survival analysis of consecutive HCC patients with PV invasion according to the treatment modalities after stratification by the degree of PV invasion and liver function retrospectively. Results: During 2005, 281 patients were newly diagnosed to have HCC with PV invasion at our institution. Repeated TACE or transarterial chemoinfusion (TACI) was performed in 202 (71.9%) patients and additional RT was performed for PV invasion in 43 of them. A total of 281 patients had a median survival of 5.2 months and a 2-year survival rate (YSR) of 19.2%. Repeated TACE showed significant survival benefits compared with conservative management in patients with PV branch invasion; median survival and 2-YSR was 10.2 vs 2.3 months and 33.7% vs 0% in Child–Pugh A categorized patients and 5.5 vs 1.3 months and 10.3 vs 0% in Child–Pugh B categorized patients, respectively ( P < 0.001). In patients with PV branch invasion, the survival rate was significantly longer with TACE/TACI plus RT than with TACE/TACI alone both in Child–Pugh A categorized patients (1-YSR: 63.6 vs 35.6%, P = 0.031) and Child–Pugh B categorized patients (1-YSR: 66.7 vs 7.7%, P = 0.007). Repeated TACE was well tolerated in our patients, with only one dying within one month after TACE. Conclusion: Repeated TACE with additional RT can be performed safely and showed a significant survival benefit in HCC patients with PV branch invasion with conserved liver function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the efficacy of using transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or transcatheter arterial chemoinfusion (TACI) for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Results revealed that 27 out of 49 patients who were treated with TACE had radiographic response. Also, the mean and median survival periods of 12 and 24 months were said to be associated with tumor size, tumor vascularity and the Child-Pugh class.

The article cites a study that seeks to determine the incidence and clinical significance of tracheobronchial lacerations after balloon dilation for the treatment of benign tracheobronchial strictures. The researchers for this study examined 97 patients, who had undergone balloon dilation in 124 sessions. The researchers reached the conclusion that there were 64 tracheobronchial lacerations during the 124 sessions of balloon dilation. But there were no incidents of transmural laceration.

Portal hypertension after extensive abdominal surgery is an unusual cause of repetitive gastrointestinal bleeding. We report on a 68-year-old male patient with intermittent gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to portal vein stenosis caused by local recurrence of the distal bile duct cancer after pancreatoduodenectomy. Severe portal vein stenosis without sufficient development of portal venous collaterals was detected 25 months after pancreatoduodenectomy. Direct portography using a percutaneous transhepatic approach showed that there was a pressure gradient of 18 mmHg across the portal vein stenosis. Portal vein stenting successfully relieved portal hypertension and bowel congestion. Gastrointestinal bleeding episodes ceased after stenting. The patient died from liver metastasis 14 months after stent insertion and 39 months after pancreatoduodenectomy. Based on this case and literature reports, the possibility of portal vein stenosis should be considered for patients who have undergone pancreatoduodenectomy and then showed unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding. Percutaneous transhepatic stent insertion appears to be the treatment of choice for focal portal vein stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistance of a large spontaneous splenorenal shunt (SRS) may result in graft failure in adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) because it reduces the effective portal perfusion to the partial liver graft by diversion of hepatotrophic portal flow into this hepatofugal pathway. We performed a prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of ligation of left renal vein (LRV) to prevent portal flow steal and the safety of this procedure to the renal function in adult LDLT patients with SRS. Between October 2001 and January 2005, 44 cirrhotic patients with large SRS underwent LDLT with ligation of LRV. Each patient received pre- and postoperative computed tomography and Doppler USG to assess the changes of collaterals and portal flow, as well as serial renal and liver function tests. Portal flow after ligation of LRV was statistically and significantly increased when compared with pre-operative value ( P = 0.001). Whereas four patients (9.1%) demonstrated sustained, elevated serum creatinine levels after operation, the renal function tests returned to normal in 40 patients. All patients recovered with satisfactory regeneration of the partial liver graft and there was no procedure-related permanent renal dysfunction. In conclusion, ligation of LRV to prevent a ‘portal steal phenomenon’ seems to be a safe and effective graft salvage procedure for large spontaneous SRS (>10-mm diameter) in adult LDLT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of removing retrievable self-expandable urethral stents using a retrieval hook wire. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the removal of 58 polyurethane or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)-covered stents was attempted in 33 patients using a retrieval hook wire. Indications for removal were elective removal ( n=21), stent migration ( n=19), formation of tissue hyperplasia around or inside of the stent ( n=14), stent deformity ( n=3), and severe pain ( n=1). The mean time the stents remained in place was 64.8±42.9 days (range, 1–177 days). Fifty-six (97%) of the 58 stents were successfully removed using the retrieval hook wire despite the following difficulties; hook wire disconnection ( n=2), untied drawstrings ( n=3), and polyurethane membrane disruption/separation ( n=4). The removal procedure using a retrieval hook wire failed in two stents (3%) which had migrated into the urinary bladder. One of the two stents with migration into the urinary bladder was removed using a snare through the cystostomy route. The overall complication rate was 14% (seven hematuria cases and one urethral tear case), and all were minor and spontaneously resolved without further treatment. In conclusion, removal of retrievable urethral stents using a retrieval hook wire was safe and effective despite some technical difficulties. It is a useful method for allowing temporary stent placement and solving various complications of stent use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary sarcoma of the aorta is extremely rare. In the past, the disease was commonly diagnosed on autopsy. However, now it is possible to make a diagnosis preoperatively using various imaging studies such as computed tomographic scanning and magnetic resonance imaging. The authors have experienced one case of abdominal aortic sarcoma in a patient who complained of the symptoms of typical intestinal angina. We diagnosed an aortic sarcoma preoperatively but failed to resect the tumor on thoracolaparotomy because of the tumor extension to marginal arteries of the whole small intestine. We recommend preoperative laparoscopy for evaluation of tumor extension to marginal arteries of the small intestine in a patient having aortic sarcoma and intestinal angina if the patient is considered to be a surgical candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been reported to have antitumor effects in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), optimal time schedules and follow-up methods have not yet been determined. We therefore prospectively analyzed the effects of additional angiography and chemoembolization on HCC recurrence and survival in patients who underwent TACE and achieved complete necrosis (CN). A total of 68 patients who achieved CN after TACE, as assessed using dynamic computed tomography (CT), were randomized into two groups. Patients in the CT group ( n = 34) were followed using dynamic CT every 3 months without any further intervention, whereas patients in the angiography group ( n = 34) received additional angiography 1 month after achievement of CN. We compared overall survival and disease-free survival between the two groups and analyzed the benefit of additional angiography. The cumulative recurrence rate did not differ between the angiography and CT groups (55% vs 48% at 12 months and 66% vs 67% at 24 months, P = 0.92). The overall survival rates at 12 and 24 months were 88% and 84% in the angiography group, and 88% and 70% in the CT group, respectively ( P = 0.57). Of the 34 patients in the angiography group, 27 (79%) suffered from adverse reactions of additional angiography and subsequent chemoembolization, seven (20.6%) experienced serum bilirubin increases of ≥1 mg/dL over baseline, and two (5.9%) developed renal impairment. Additional angiography and chemoembolization did not reduce tumor recurrence or improve patient survival in HCC patients who achieved CN, as assessed using dynamic CT, following TACE. © 2004 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although extrahepatic spread of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is uncommon, it can be found anywhere in the body. Most extrahepatic metastases of HCC occur in patients with advanced-stage intrahepatic tumor, but incidental extrahepatic lesions have also occasionally been found in patients with early-stage intrahepatic HCC. The detection of extrahepatic metastatic disease is crucial when planning therapy for patients with HCC and should be used to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention. In this study we illustrate the radiologic findings of extrahepatic metastases of HCC involving various sites. The presumed mechanism of extrahepatic extension of HCC is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of balloon dilation combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for palliation of dysphagia due to malignant esophagogastric junction strictures. Methods: Fluoroscopically guided balloon dilation was attempted in 20 patients. The causes of strictures were gastric adenocarcinoma ( n = 10) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma ( n = 10). Scheduled chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy followed balloon dilation in all patients. Results: There were no technical failures or major complications. After balloon dilation, 15 (75%) patients showed improvement of dysphagia. No patient complained of reflux esophagitis during the follow-up period. Among the 15 patients, seven needed no further treatment for palliation of dysphagia until their deaths. The remaining eight patients underwent repeat balloon dilation ( n = 4) or stent placement ( n = 4) 3?43 weeks (mean 15 weeks) after the initial balloon dilation because of recurrent dysphagia. Conclusion: Balloon dilation combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy seems to be an easy and reasonably effective palliative treatment for malignant esophagogastric strictures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The significance of complete interruption of large spontaneous portosystemic collaterals in adult living donor liver transplantation as a graft salvage procedure" in the 2008 issue of Transplant International.

The natural history of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is dismal (approximately 2-4 mo), and PVTT is reportedly found in 10%-40% of HCC patients at diagnosis. According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Staging System (which is the most widely adopted HCC management guideline), sorafenib is the standard of care for advanced HCC (i.e., BCLC stage C) and the presence of PVTT is included in this category. However, sorafenib treatment only marginally prolongs patient survival and, notably, its therapeutic efficacy is reduced in patients with PVTT. In this context, there have been diverse efforts to develop alternatives to current standard systemic chemotherapies or combination treatment options. To date, many studies on transarterial chemoembolization, 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, hepatic arterial chemotherapy, and transarterial radioembolization report better overall survival than sorafenib therapy alone, but their outcomes need to be verified in future prospective, randomized controlled studies in order to be incorporated into current treatment guidelines. Additionally, combination strategies have been applied to treat HCC patients with PVTT, with the hope that the possible synergistic actions among different treatment modalities would provide promising results. This narrative review describes the current status of the management options for HCC with PVTT, with a focus on overall survival.