title: Interventional embolization of giant thoracic tumors before surgical resection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Preoperative embolization of tumors is a well-established procedure that has been successfully applied in various clinical situations. Preoperative embolization can reduce the vascularity of tumors resulting in a clearer operative field, less difficult dissection, decreased blood loss, and, in some cases, a decrease in tumor size. However, few studies have been conducted regarding the preoperative embolization of giant thoracic tumors.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine the effectiveness and safety of interventional embolization of giant thoracic tumors before surgical resection.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 14 consecutive patients with giant thoracic tumors received angiography and the feeding arteries of the tumors were embolized using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles and gelatin sponges 1 day before surgical resection. The patient records were retrospectively reviewed and data regarding diagnoses, embolization, and surgical resection were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Angiography revealed the feeding arteries of the tumors to be characterized by multiple branches and thickened vessel trunks with abnormal distal branches superimposed of the tumor shadow. Embolization was successfully without complications in all patients, and all feeding vessels of each tumor were occluded. Embolization reduced the severity of bleeding during surgery and decreased the difficulty of resection of the tumor. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interventional embolization is a safe and efficient method to facilitate the surgical resection of giant thoracic tumors.
authors: Department of Interventional Radiology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing,  China.
authors: Feng-yong
authors: FY
authors: Liu
authors: Mao-qiang
authors: MQ
authors: Wang
authors: Qing-sheng
authors: QS
authors: Fan
authors: Feng
authors: F
authors: Duan
authors: Zhi-jun
authors: ZJ
authors: Wang
authors: Peng
authors: P
authors: Song
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography; D001706:Biopsy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005781:Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol