Published online Dec 15, 1998. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v4.i6.511
Revised: September 10, 1998
Accepted: November 12, 1998
Published online: December 15, 1998
AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of segmental transcatheter arterial embolization for primary hepatocellular carcinoma, and to recognize the menifestation and clinical value of lipiodol overflow into portal veins surrounding the tumors.
METHODS: A total of 50 cases of nonresectable primary hepatocellular carcinoma underwent segmental transcatheter arterial embolization. Two methods of superselective segmental catheterization were used, one was the method of wire-guiding, and the other the technic of co-axial infusion catheter.
RESULTS: The 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-year cumulative survival rates of 50 cases with segmental transcatheter arterial embolization for primary hepatocellular carcinoma were 83.8%, 65.4%, 42.9% and 24.5% respectively. The in cidence of the lipiodol overflow into portal veins was 64%. The overflow of lipiodol intoportal veins, represented as 3-5 grade branches of portal veins visualized by lipiodol, was “star-like” or “tree-like”, and there was a relatively large vessel in the center surrounded with radicalized small branches of vessels.
CONCLUSION: The lipiodol overflow into portal veins was one of the signs of complete embolization for tumors, and may play a partial role in embolizating the portal venous supply for hepatocellular carcinoma.