Transcatheter arterial embolization for traumatic hepatic hemorrhage

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy,indications and complications of transcatheter arterial embolization for the treatment of traumatic hemorrhage of liver.Methods Retrospectively analyzed 33 cases of traumatic hemorrhage of liver admitted to West China Hospital from May 1996 to May 2006.Twenty-four cases underwent hepatic arterial angiography and were diagnosed as hepatic arterial pseudoaneurysms and followed by superselective embolization of the feeding vessel with gelatin sponge and/or spring coils.Results Embolization was succeeded technically in 28 pseudoaneurysms of 24 cases.Rebleeding occurred in 2 cases and a second embolization was performed with one recovered uneventfully.The other died of rebleeding and severe abdominal infection one week after the second embolization.Fever unrelated to embolization occurred in 9 cases.Conclusion Transcatheter arterial embolization is safe,prompt and effective for the treatment of hemorrhage due to hepatic injury.(J Intervent Radiol,2007,16:226-228)