[The preoperative chemoembolization of hepatocarcinoma due to cirrhosis].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate clinical value and tumor response of preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) secondary to cirrhosis.


METHODS
The clinical, radiologic and histologic findings were reviewed relative to 13 cirrhotic patients operated on for HCC after chemoembolization with an emulsion of Lipiodol UF and epirubucin; additional gel-foam embolization was performed in 12 cases.


RESULTS
The mean survival was 24 months. Three patients died within 1 month after surgery; 2 other patients died 10 and 32 months after surgery, respectively. The 2-year recurrence rate was 40%. Tumor size, the grade of iodized oil retention and the embolization technique affected primary tumor necrosis ratio: most of satellite nodules and capsular invasions were persistently viable at histology.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative chemoembolization neither facilitates, nor contraindicates, HCC surgery. Nevertheless, chemoembolization should always be performed before surgery first to stage the patients with Lipiodol CT and second to administer the first palliation whenever the patient is ineligible for surgery.
Savastano
S
S
Istituto di Radiologia, Università degli Studi, Padova.
Feltrin
G P
GP
Miotto
D
D
Chiesura-Corona
M
M
Casarrubea
G
G
Cecchetto
A
A
D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007459:Iodized Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D015251:Epirubicin; D007459:Iodized Oil
La chemioembolizzazione preoperatoria dell'epatocarcinoma su cirrosi.