Experimental selective segmental ablation of rat liver by transportal ethanol injection

For use in the treatment of malignant hepatic tumors, we undertook selective segmental ablation of the liver by transportal ethanol injection, first studying its efficacy and safety in rats. We forced a 4:1 mixture of ethanol and contrast medium from a syringe into hepatic tissues via a branch of the portal vein in 80 Wistar rats. The amount of ethanol injected was from 0.05 to 0.60 ml. Soon after the injection, the hepatic segment treated with ethanol was yellowish-white with a distinct outline. Two to three weeks after the injection, the segment was completely necrotic. The findings when a mixture of ethanol and India ink was injected suggested that the necrosis was a direct result of the ethanol. The portal branch into which the injection was made was completely obstructed immediately after the injection. The maximum ethanol concentration in the peripheral blood was 0.4 mg/ml. No histological changes were found in any other organ. Liver and kidney function was almost unaffected. This technique might be useful clinically for the treatment of malignant hepatic tumors.