Volumetric Analysis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Transarterial Chemoembolization

A contrast agent (Xenetix350, Guerbet, France) was applied under local anaesthesia via the common femoral artery using a 5F sheath. Selective catheterization of the coeliac trunk and other arteries supplying the liver was then performed under fluoroscopic control. A pathological vascularization pattern was identified and chemoembolization material consisting of DC beads (BTG International Ltd) was injected by the treating angiographist using micro instrumentation. Follow-up CT or MRI was performed after 1-3 TACE sessions according to the extent of the lesion, 3 weeks following the last procedure. Patients with completed treatments were scheduled for an imaging follow-up every 3 months, allowing evaluation of the effect of treatment. In case of a positive response to the treatment another session of TACE was indicated. Chemoembolization sessions were performed as inpatient procedures with the mean hospitalization time of 4 days.