Preoperative embolization in surgical management of massive thoracic tumors

The surgical excision of a highly vascular giant tumor may be challenging. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with preoperative percutaneous embolization of massive vascular chest tumors before surgical excision.

From 2009 to 2011, 8 cases of giant vascular thoracic tumor were treated at Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt, by preoperative embolization of the feeding arteries followed by successful excision after 48 h.

The median age of the 8 patients was 39 years. Embolization of their tumors resulted in a reduction of tumor size, and minimal blood loss was observed perioperatively. Perilesional edema and easy differentiation of ischemic tissue facilitated complete surgical removal of the tumors.

Preoperative embolization of giant vascular thoracic tumors is useful to decrease perioperative blood loss and facilitate total excision.