Applying Subsegmental Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma

To evaluate the clinical value of subsegmental transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(S-TACE)in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma(SHCC).Sixteen cases of SHCC(3cm)were treated by S-TACE,4cases combined with percutaneous ethanol injection(PEI)and4cases underwent operation.After treatment of S-TACE,CT and AFP were examined.The resected specimens were pathologically analyzed.CT showed that the size of tumor reduced more than1/2in6cases,more than1/3in8cases after one month,AFP recovered to normal range in6cases,obviously reduced in4cases,no obviously reduced in4cases.In the4cases without obvious AFP reduction,both tumor size and AFP remarkably reduced after combining PEI treatment.Of4cases underwent operation following S-TACE1month,pathology revealed tumor complete necrosis in3cases,and1case with a few residual cancer cells at margin.[Conclusion]S-TACE can effectively block blood supply of tumor,reduce the size and AFP level of tumor.PEI is an effective supplementary therapy to the patients who are not effective to S-TACE.