Portal vein embolization
Selective occlusion of portal vein branches to induce hypertrophy of the contralateral liver lobe, allowing more extensive liver resections.
Reviewed by Dr. Juan José Torrent — Updated: April 30, 2026
Multidisciplinary Treatment
Interventional Radiology Combined Techniques
We integrate interventional radiology procedures with oncological surgery to offer more complete and less invasive treatments. A multidisciplinary approach that expands therapeutic options.
CONTACT SPECIALISTWhat is oncological interventional radiology?
Interventional radiology encompasses a set of minimally invasive image-guided techniques that allow diagnostic and therapeutic procedures without the need for open surgery. In oncology, these techniques complement and enhance surgical treatments.
Collaboration between oncological surgeons and interventional radiologists allows designing more complete treatment strategies, converting initially unresectable tumors into operable ones or treating lesions that are not surgically accessible.
Interventional radiology techniques
We have multiple techniques that integrate with surgical treatment:
Radiofrequency ablation
Tumor destruction using heat generated by high-frequency electrical current, indicated for small unresectable liver lesions.
Microwave ablation
Similar to radiofrequency but with greater power, allows treating larger lesions in less time.
Chemoembolization (TACE)
Administration of chemotherapy directly into the liver tumor along with embolizing agents that block its vascularization.
Applications in oncology
Combined techniques are used in various clinical situations:
Preoperative preparation
Portal embolization to increase the volume of the liver remnant before extensive hepatectomies, making initially unresectable cases operable.
Combined treatment
Surgical resection of main lesions combined with ablation of smaller lesions in the same procedure or sequentially.
Bleeding control
Preoperative embolization of hypervascularized tumors to reduce bleeding during surgery.
Recurrence treatment
Ablation of small local recurrences that are not candidates for surgical reintervention.
Advantages of the combined approach
Integration of interventional radiology and surgery offers multiple benefits:
Greater resectability
Tumors initially considered inoperable can become resectable after treatment with interventional techniques.
Less invasiveness
Some lesions can be treated without open surgery, reducing morbidity and accelerating recovery.
Complete treatment
Allows treating all tumor lesions even if they are in different locations or require different techniques.
Function preservation
Ablation of small lesions allows preserving more healthy tissue than surgical resection.
Our multidisciplinary experience
At Quenet-Torrent Institute we work in close collaboration with reference interventional radiology units. This integration allows us to offer personalized treatments that combine the best of each technique.
Each case is evaluated jointly by surgeons and interventional radiologists to design the optimal strategy, whether sequential treatment, combined in the same surgical procedure, or as an alternative to surgery.
Pathologies that benefit from combined techniques
Various oncological pathologies can benefit from this multidisciplinary approach.
Hepatic tumors
Liver metastases and hepatocellular carcinoma.
More informationBiliopancreatic tumors
Pancreatic and bile duct tumors.
More informationSarcomas
Hypervascularized sarcomas or those with vascular involvement.
More information
Real cases
Patient testimonies and surgery explanations
Real testimonies from patients treated by our team in high-complexity surgical oncology.
Debra's case
66-year-old English woman with advanced ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastases. Treated with cytoreduction + HIPEC, she is now disease-free.
Read the full caseRosario (Charo)'s case
73-year-old patient with advanced cancer treated with chemotherapy and high-complexity surgical oncology. Excellent survival and quality of life.
Read the full caseLaura's case
Rare abdominal tumor treated with complex cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC and systemic chemotherapy. Disease-free after almost 2 years.
Read the full caseSantiago's case
Diagnosed with widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis and considered inoperable. After complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, today his is a story of hope and survival.
Read the full case
Verified reviews
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★★★★★
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
★★★★★
Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The human treatment is great and the results are too. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
★★★★★
In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
M
A year ago
★★★★★
Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.
P
2 years ago
★★★★★
I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
I
3 years ago
★★★★★
Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.
M
5 years ago
★★★★★
Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.
F
6 years ago
★★★★★
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. Sending my diagnosis to every center, practically all agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time since I had very aggressive cell types. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life — at surgery the harmful cells everyone diagnosed (and used to refuse to operate) were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.
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