HEPATIC-ARTERY EMBOLIZATION IN TREATMENT OF MALIGNANT-TUMORS OF THE LIVER

The results of therapeutic hepatic artery embolization (HAE) in 25 patients with malignant irresectable tumors of the liver are discussed. The proximal segments of the hepatic artery were occluded by metal spirals. Thrombosis of the portal vein was accepted as an absolute contraindication for HAE, and a tumor involving more than 50 % of the volume of the liver and chronic hepatic insufficiency were considered relative contraindications. After the intervention signs of subjective improvement were noted in 73.9 % and signs of objective improvement in 65.2 % of cases. The mortality after HAE was 4.2 %. The obtained results are evidence of the efficacy of proximal HAE as a method for the treatment of inoperable malignant tumors of the liver.