Treatment of liver tumors by radioembolization

Radioembolization is carried out by highly qualified specialists – X-ray surgeons. To visualize the arteries of the upper abdominal cavity, an initial angiogram is performed. Then a thin wire mesh is inserted into the arteries of the stomach and duodenum 12 to protect the vessels from possible ingress of microspheres into them. Then, under X-ray control, a catheter is inserted through the skin, which moves through the femoral artery into the vessels of the liver. After placing the catheter in the branches of the hepatic artery feeding the tumor, microspheres are injected into it, into which a radionuclide drug is injected. Radioembolization takes place on an outpatient basis, however, in special cases, the patient needs a hospital for one day. The procedure lasts within an hour, with the use of local anesthesia.

The patient may have post-embolization syndrome. Nausea, vomiting, fever, slight fever, drowsiness and weakness. The most common side effect is pain caused by blocking blood flow to the tumor. In these cases, the pain is eliminated with the help of painkillers. After 3-5 days after the radioembolization, the side effects disappear, but if they persist, you should consult your doctor. It is very important to exclude contacts with other people within a week after the procedure, since the patient is a source of radiation from a radioactive source. It is not recommended that the patient sleep in the same bed with his spouse, use public transport, be near children and pregnant women.