Ch. Kao et al., Evaluation of hepatobiliary function by hepatobiliary scintigraphy in hepatoma patients after transcatheter arterial embolization, SC J GASTR, 36(5), 2001, pp. 553-557
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.