title: Superselective embolization as palliative treatment of recurrent hemorrhage in advanced carcinoma of the head and neck.
abstract: We report a case of recurrent major hemorrhage in a patient with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Before and between the bleeding episodes, the functional level of the patient was remarkably high. Therefore, an attempt at bleeding control with superselective embolization with Ethibloc was made. Because of its specific characteristics, this substance is almost ideal for the purpose of palliative embolization. The material used and the technique of application are described in detail. After the procedure, no hemorrhage occurred for more than 4 months. We recommend superselective embolization, preferably with Ethibloc, for minimally invasive control of recurrent bleeding as palliative treatment in selected patients with advanced head and neck carcinoma, since significant benefit in terms of the quality of life may result.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sittel
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gossmann
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jungehülsing
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zähringer
mesh_terms: D000792:Angiography; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000628:therapy; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000628:therapy; D007825:Laryngectomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection; D010166:Palliative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy; D012008:Recurrence