Particle embolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

To evaluate the outcome of all patients undergoing particle embolization for hepatocellular carcinoma at a single institution from January 1, 1993, through December 31, 1995.

The charts and radiographs of all patients undergoing particle embolization during the study period were reviewed. The following information was collected: patient demographics, Child class and Okuda stage, number of embolization treatment sessions, length of hospital stay, complications related to the embolization procedure, including postembolization syndrome, current patient status, and date of death.

Forty-six patients underwent 86 embolization sessions during the study period. Postembolization syndrome developed after 70 of the 86 sessions (81%); in four cases (4.6%) this required treatment that extended the patient's hospital stay. Three other complications occurred (3.5%), including a splenic infarct and two episodes of transient hepatic failure, all treated supportively. There was one death within 30 days, but it was not directly attributable to embolotherapy. Follow-up was available for all of the patients who underwent treatment. Thirty-four patients were classified as Child class A, and 12 were classified as Child class B. Thirty patients were classified as Okuda stage I, 14 were classified as Okuda stage II, and two were classified as Okuda stage III. Overall actuarial survival was 50% at 1 year and 33% at 2 years. There was a statistically significant difference in survival between Okuda stage I and stage II patients, but not between Child class A and class B patients.

Particle embolization for hepatocellular carcinoma is well tolerated and demonstrates actuarial survival of 50% at 1 year and 33% at 2 years.