Prospective Analysis of Complications of Transarterial Chemolipiodoliza tion in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Kim, Kyung Hyun; Song, Eun Jeong; Choi, Byung Kook; Kim, Seong Bae; Yang, Jeong Hoon; Kim, Seong Hwan; Jung, Sook Hyang; Han, Chul Ju; Kim, You Cheoul; Kim, Chang Min; Lee, Jhin Oh; Kang, Tae Woong; Choe, Du Hwan; Lee, Byung Hee

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Transarterial chemolipiodolization (TAC) is a therapeutic option for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aims of this study were to analyze types and frequencies of post-TAC complications, to evaluate the necessity of prophylactic antibiotics, and to identify risk factors associated with complications.
METHODS
One hundred thirty five patients treated with TAC were analyzed prospectively. The patients' status was evaluated daily during the admission period Patients were followed up for 4 weeks by weekly phone interview.
RESULTS
Complications were fever in 38%, epigastric pain in 33%, right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain in 24%, nausea and vomiting in 13%, abdominal fullness in 11%, acute cholecystitis in 1.5%, liver abscess in 0.7% and hepatic failure in 0.7% of the 135 patients. Statistically significant risk factors were the amount of infused lipiodol and the number of treatment for fever and the location and the number of tumors for RUQ pain.
CONCLUSIONS
Various post-TAC complications were observed in 70.4% of the patients. However , infectious complications were rare, and thus prophylactic antibiotic treatment is not necessary. Careful clinical observation and early symptomatic management for fever and abdomina pain are desirable.