[Embolization of the hepatic artery in primary hepatocellular carcinoma]

Between April 1981 and October 1984, 189 embolisations of the hepatic artery were carried out in 82 patients with primary hepato-cellular carcinomas. Two types of embolisation were performed: 1) embolisation using only gel foam and 2) a combination of peripheral and proximal embolisation using Lipiodol and gel foam. Embolisation of the hepatic artery is indicated for inoperable carcinoma, provided less than 75% of the liver is involved or for localised carcinomas in patients whose general condition makes surgery impossible, often because of severe cirrhosis of the liver. Complications following embolisation include pain, fever and transient changes in liver function. Deaths, abscesses or rupture of the tumour did not occur.