Scanning electron microscopy study of the blood supply of human colorectal liver metastases

Abstract

Aims: The failure of hepatic artery directed treatment of colorectal liver metastases may reflect a major portal venous contribution to tumour blood supply. This study provides ultrastructural details of the blood supply of colorectal liver metastases and their association with the portal vein and hepatic artery. Methods: Resected liver specimens from six patients with colorectal liver metastases were examined by histology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), following vascular resin casting. Results: Nine metastatic colorectal adenocarcinomas were identified. The main feature of all tumours on SEM was direct communication between hepatic sinusoids and tumour vessels. A direct portal veno..