The effect of hepatic dearterialization and re-dearterialization on carcinoid liver metastases

A 48-year-old woman with severe carcinoid syndrome caused by multiple liver metastases was treated by hepatic dearterialization. After the operation, urinary 5-HIAA excretion fell transiently to normal levels and the patient was symptom-free for six months. After one year the symptoms of carcinoid syndrome had recurred and a re-dearterialization was performed. A favourable clinical effect was again achieved, but the relief of symptoms lasted only six months. The changes in urinary 5-HIAA excretion and SGOT, SGPT, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, PP activity as well as serum protein levels were uniform after both operations to an astonishing degree. Histological specimens taken at reoperation showed that the carcinoid metastases in the anterior parts of the liver were largely necrotic. The necrotic areas has peculiar features, e.g. the necrosis was partly incomplete and ghost like carcinoid structures could be seen.