[Liver abscess as a complication of TAE--risk factors and prevention]

Transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization for not only hepatocellular carcinoma but metastatic liver cancers is nowadays prevalent. Gall bladder infarction, cholangitis, peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, and aneurysm are reported as complications of it. But the liver abscess following it is rare. We reviewed three cases of liver abscesses after transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization. Biliary tract congestion and inflammation, and iatrogenic contaminations are supposed to major factors that caused liver abscesses. We think we should refrain from the embolization until biliary tract disorders are resolved and take care not to contaminate the proceeding materials in addition to mixing antibiotics with embolus.