Liver chemoembolisation

Chemoembolisation is a local treatment for liver tumours, in particular hepatocellular carcinoma, the cancer that arises from liver cells. These tumours receive their blood mainly from the hepatic artery. The principle is to inject a chemotherapy drug directly into the branches feeding the tumour, together with particles that close these arteries. The procedure is performed in the catheterisation laboratory under local anaesthesia with pain relief, sometimes with sedation. A catheter is introduced through the groin or wrist up to the liver arteries, and the doctor then gets as close as possible to the tumour to spare the healthy liver. The chemotherapy stays concentrated in the tumour, with fewer effects on the rest of the body. Chemoembolisation is offered when the tumour cannot be surgically removed or destroyed locally, or while waiting for a transplant. It can be repeated depending on the response. It is sometimes used for certain liver metastases. The decision is always taken at a multidisciplinary team meeting. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, the procedure is performed in a latest-generation catheterisation laboratory, in coordination with the hepato-gastroenterologists and oncologists.