Surgical resection is an important method for treating liver cancer,and postoperative liver failure caused by insufficient liver remnant volume is a key factor limiting the success rate of surgical resection.The portal vein embolization(PVE),through artificially obstructing the portal vein,can induce liver volume enlargement,thus,providing theoretical support for preventing postoperative death due to liver failure.In recent years,many innovations and studies on the limitations of PVE,especially on the problem of postoperative insufficient growth rate of liver tissues,have been made by experts both at home and abroad.In view of this,this paper,through summarizing the relevant literature on PVE,makes a detailed review concerning the clinical application and research progress of PVE.