Transradial arterial chemoembolization reduces complications and costs in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To improve patient comfort and reduce complications, clinical benefit of a transradial approach for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) was evaluated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A total of 284 patients with HCC for TACE was divided into transradial approach group (n = 126) and transfemoral approach group (n = 158). These two groups of cases were retrospectively compared with regard to complications, the procedural time, X‑ray exposure time, length of hospitalization, and hospital costs. RESULTS: There were lower incidence rates of complications including abdominal distension (42.85% vs. 87.97%, P < 0.001), vomiting (53.17% vs. 77.22%, P < 0.001), lumbago (1.59% vs. 97.46%, P < 0.001), and dysuria (0% vs. 62.03%, P < 0.001) in the transradial group as compared with the transfemoral group. The time required for catheterization and total X‑ray exposure time were less in the transradial group compared with the transfemoral group (Pall < 0.001). The hospital stay time and costs required for catheterization were less in the transradial group compared with the transfemoral group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). In addition, hepatic angiography and TACE were completed in 100% and 99.2% cases in transfemoral and transradial groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Transradial approach for TACE improves quality of life in patients with HCC by offering fewer complications and lower costs compared with transfemoral approach.