Interventional Radiology: Gallbladder, Bile, Ducts and Liver
Liver Chemoembolization

Liver chemoembolization is the simultaneous administration of chemotherapy and closing off (embolization) of arterial blood supply to a tumor (primary or metastatic). Chemoembolization provides several advantages. It deprives the tumor of oxygen and blood, ensures a drug dosage 20 to 200 times greater (and longer) than that by standard injection through a peripheral or central vein and decreases side effects by limiting drugs from circulation through the entire body.

Prior to the procedure, IV fluids are administered. These fluids contain antibiotics and other necessary medications. Chemoembolization procedures involve placement of a small tube (catheter) in an artery by an interventional radiologist and is performed under conscious / IV sedation. For the procedure, a 1/4 inch incision is made in the groin (femoral artery) and a catheter is guided under fluoroscopic x-ray to the hepatic artery. Once the arteries that feed the tumor are located, chemotherapy drugs are injected followed by ebolizing agents, which cut off blood supply to the tumor.

Patients are positioned to lie flat for 6 hours following chemoembolization. The procedure requires several days of hospitalization. Pain and anti-nausea medications are administered following the procedure. Depending on the type of liver cancer, survival may improve. For additional information see embolization.