Preoperative chemolipiodolization of the whole liver for hepatocellular carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Preoperative transarterial chemoembolization is not routinely recommended before hepatectomy for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma. This study evaluated the effect of preoperative whole-liver chemolipiodolization.


METHODS
A retrospective comparison of background characteristics, operative results and long-term outcome was performed between 36 patients with chemolipiodolization confined to the tumor (selective group) and 23 patients with chemolipiodolization also involving the noncancerous liver (whole-liver group).


RESULTS
There were no serious side-effects in either group and the operative outcome did not differ between the two groups. Tumor diameter was significantly greater in the selective group, but other pathological characteristics were comparable. The 5-year disease-free and overall survival rates for the selective and whole-liver groups were 11.9% and 33.0% (p=0.0191) and 44.9% and 73.2% (p=0.0121), respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that preoperative whole-liver chemolipiodolization reduces postoperative recurrence and prolongs survival in patients undergoing resection of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Kaibori
Masaki
M
Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Moriguchi, Osaka 570-8507, Japan. kaibori@takii.kmu.ac.jp
Tanigawa
Noboru
N
Matsui
Yoichi
Y
Kwon
A-Hon
AH
Sawada
Satoshi
S
Kamiyama
Yasuo
Y
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005781:Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable; D006801:Humans; D007459:Iodized Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D015251:Epirubicin; D007459:Iodized Oil