Evaluation of hepatobiliary function by hepatobiliary scintigraphy in hepatoma patients after transcatheter arterial embolization

Background: Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is the treatment of c hoice for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma. However, altered and impaire d gallbladder function due to gallbladder infarction and bile duct necrosis following TAE have been reported. Methods: Hepatobiliary function was eval uated using quantitative Tc-99m DISIDA hepatobiliary scintigraphy in 40 hep atoma patients before and after TAE. The patients were separated into two g roups: group 1 (20 patients), who received pre-cystic artery TAE, and group 2 (also 20 patients), who received post-cystic artery TAE. Results: After TAE, there were no significant changes in liver or bile duct function in th e patients of either group. However, for group 1 patients, significantly de creased gallbladder function was found after TAE. Conclusions: Altered and impaired gallbladder function is common in hepatoma patients who receive pr e-cystic artery TAE, and Tc-99m DISIDA cholescintigraphy may be useful for evaluating hepatobiliary function in hepatoma patients who receive TAE.