[Embolization of hepatic metastases]

The results of 42 cases of arterial embolisation in patients with hepatic metastases are reported. In two-thirds of the cases the primary tumor was found in the gut. In eight cases endocrine tumor dissemination was incriminated. Arterial occlusion called for use of various inert substances (e.g. Spongel, Duremere) or cyanoacrylate, but in this instance chemical embolisation was excluded. The antalgic effect of embolisation (72 percent success rate) and antipyretic effect on persistent fever (60 percent success rate) constituted the usual indications. Metastases of secreting tumors are verily more rare, nevertheless they are indubitably a major indication for embolisation, since good results are achieved concerning inopportune secretions and repeat embolisations possible are a super advantage. The good symptomatic results of embolisation must incite its consideration in unoperable but nonterminal cases whose medical therapy is no longer or simply not effective.