Arterial embolization to preoperatively manage pulmonary disease associated with inflammation

Preoperative arterial embolization is used in pulmonary disease to reduce intraoperative blood loss resulting from exposure of extensive adherent pleura due to repeated inflammation. Between January 1996 and February 2001, 5 patients underwent surgery with this procedure. Underlying diseases were 3 cases of aspergilloma and 1 each of chronic expanding hematoma and lung cancer. All embolization was permanent, involving coil insertion. Surgical treatment was successful in all 5 patients without mortality. Such preoperative management proved useful in reducing intraoperative blood loss in hypervascular collateral feeding vessels in the area of resection or decortication.