Hepatic artery embolization in the treatment of hepatic neoplasms

Seventy-two hepatic artery embolizations were performed in 47 patients to treat hepatic neoplasms. Hepatic artery embolization creates tumor devascularization, but the portal flow prevents infarction of liver parenchyma because of the single vascular supply from the hepatic artery to a neoplasm, in contrast to the dual vascular supply to the liver parenchyma. Indications for the use of hepatic artery embolization are failure of chemotherapy, either systemic or intra-arterial infusion, vascular anomalies requiring combined lobar embolization and lobar infusion, and lack of effective treatment. Three types of embolization were performed: peripheral embolization using Gelfoam, proximal embolization using coils, and combined peripheral and proximal embolization. The complications after embolization were pain, fever, and transient liver function changes. No death or hepatic abscess occurred. The median survival duration of the group was 11.5 months from the time of embolization. Hepatic artery embolization is an effective treatment of hepatic neoplasm.