Diagnostic iodised oil embolisation of liver tumours--the Hammersmith experience

Oily embolisation of the liver as a diagnostic technique in the management of liver tumours has not proved reliable in our hands. In our study of 20 patients we found: (1) The technique was not risk-free, with complications in four patients, one of whom required emergency surgery. (2) The Bruneton classification is far too simplistic to be relied upon. (3) Residual Lipiodol, particularly in the left lobe of the liver is problematic, making it difficult to distinguish normal from diseased liver. (4) The technique did not contribute to decisions about surgical management in any one of our 20 cases though we accept it might occasionally do so. Our experience was disappointing and in marked contradistinction to enthusiastic reports by some other authors.