Complicaciones de la quimioembolización transarterial (QETA) en el tratamiento de los tumores hepáticos / Complications of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the treatment of liver tumors

INTRODUCCIÓN: La quimioembolización transarterial (QETA) es considerada una opción terapéutica utilizada en el tratamiento del carcinoma hepatocelular y de las metástasis hepáticas secundarias del carcinoma colorrectal, tumores neuroendocrinos y melanoma ocular. Aunque es un procedimiento seguro, no está exento de complicaciones, siendo la más frecuente la colecistitis aguda. Otras complicaciones descritas son el tromboembolismo pulmonar, el absceso hepático, lesiones de la mucosa gastrointestinal, lesiones de la vía biliar, etc. El objetivo principal del estudio es revisar y describir las complicaciones derivadas de la QETA en el tratamiento de los tumores hepáticos. MÉTODOS: Se ha realizado un análisis retrospectivo de todas las QETA practicadas en nuestro centro entre enero de 2013 y diciembre de 2016. En dicho periodo se realizaron 322 QETA en 196 pacientes. RESULTADOS: Del total de procedimientos, 258 (80%) fueron realizados en hombres y 64 (20%) en mujeres. Además, la edad media de los pacientes fue de 66,5años. Las complicaciones mayores derivadas de la QETA fueron descompensación edemo-ascítica (6 casos), colecistitis aguda (4), pancreatitis aguda (3), rotura hepática (1), absceso hepático (1) y deterioro de la función renal (1). Además, el síndrome postembolización se objetivó en 71 (22%) casos. En el análisis multivariante se observó que el antecedente cardiovascular (OR: 4,5; IC95%: 1,2-17; p = 0,025) es un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de complicaciones post-QETA. CONCLUSIONES: Las complicaciones derivadas de la QETA son poco frecuentes y con una baja incidencia de mortalidad

INTRODUCTION: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is considered a therapeutic option. It is mostly used in hepatocellular carcinoma or liver colorectal, neuroendocrine or melanoma metastases. Although it is considered a safe procedure, TACE presents complications, such as acute cholecystitis, which is the most common. Other procedure-related complications include pulmonary embolism, hepatic abscess, bile duct injury, gastric mucosa injury and, less frequently, acute pancreatitis. The aim of this study is to review the complications following TACE for liver tumors. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study including all the TACE procedures performed in a single center during the period between January 2013 and December 2016. RESULTS: Out of the 196 patients with liver tumors who had undergone 322 TACE, 258 (80%) were male and 64 (20%) were female. Mean patient age was 66.5years. Major complications after chemoembolization included: decompensation with edema/ascites (6 patients), acute cholecystitis (4), acute pancreatitis (3), liver rupture (1), liver abscess (1) and renal failure (1). Postembolization syndrome appeared in 71 (20%) patients. On multivariate analysis, it was observed that concomitant cardiovascular disease (OR: 4.5; 95%CI: 1.2-17; P=.025) is a risk factor for the development of complications. CONCLUSIONS: TACE is a safe and effective procedure for liver tumor treatment. The majority of the complications are rare and present a low incidence of mortality

Complications of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the treatment of liver tumors. / Complicaciones de la quimioembolización transarterial (QETA) en el tratamiento de los tumores hepáticos.

INTRODUCTION: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is considered a therapeutic option. It is mostly used in hepatocellular carcinoma or liver colorectal, neuroendocrine or melanoma metastases. Although it is considered a safe procedure, TACE presents complications, such as acute cholecystitis, which is the most common. Other procedure-related complications include pulmonary embolism, hepatic abscess, bile duct injury, gastric mucosa injury and, less frequently, acute pancreatitis. The aim of this study is to review the complications following TACE for liver tumors. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study including all the TACE procedures performed in a single center during the period between January 2013 and December 2016. RESULTS: Out of the 196 patients with liver tumors who had undergone 322 TACE, 258 (80%) were male and 64 (20%) were female. Mean patient age was 66.5years. Major complications after chemoembolization included: decompensation with edema/ascites (6patients), acute cholecystitis (4), acute pancreatitis (3), liver rupture (1), liver abscess (1) and renal failure (1). Postembolization syndrome appeared in 71 (20%) patients. On multivariate analysis, it was observed that concomitant cardiovascular disease (OR: 4.5; 95%CI: 1.2-17; P=.025) is a risk factor for the development of complications. CONCLUSIONS: TACE is a safe and effective procedure for liver tumor treatment. The majority of the complications are rare and present a low incidence of mortality.