The value of therapeutic embolization in the management of renal cell carcinoma

During 2-year period at the Kosin Medical Center, we performed transarterial embolization (TAE) in 11 patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma, six preoperatively and five palliatively. The occlusive materials used were Ivalon, absolute alcohol, and gelfoam. Nephrectomy followed three to twelve days after TAE. Tomy followed three to twelve days after TAE. Preoperative TAE of a Renal Cell Carcinoma was helpful to the urologist especially with large, hypervascular tumors. The mean time of surgery was decreased. Mean blood loss during nephrectomy was 2.6 pints. Surgical dissection was facilitated after TAE and was 2.6 pints. Surgical dissection was facilitated after TAE and the urologist favored alcohol as a thromboembolic agent. Symptoms and sings of patients treated palliatively were general weakness, severe pain, anemia and hematuria. 2 patients had pulmonary and bony metastases and 2 patients had tumor extension to IVC. The hematuria ceased immediately after embolization and general condition improved significantly. Post infarction syndrome was mild in all cases and no major complications attributable to the embolic materials were present. Transarterial embolization changed the course of the disease and offers promise in the management of patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma