Vnitr Lek 2001, 47(8):532-537

[Intervention radiology in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic tumours].

V A Válek: Radiologická klinika FN Brno.

Although intervention radiology has affected all spheres of oncology, in particular in diagnostics and therapy of malignant liver processes, its importance is fundamental. The authors summarize their long-term experience with invasive diagnosis of focal processes in the liver and with a minimally invasive therapy in more than 250 patients with malignant focal processes in the liver. Intervention radiology extends common diagnostic methods by the possibility of aimed administration of contrast substance before examination (CT after administration of Lipiodol) or during examination (CT angiography). Biopsy from a focus only 10 mm in size or less under CT control, ultrasound or MR lead rapidly to histological assessment of the nature of the process. In preoperative staging in particular in patients with colorectal carcinoma and secondaries in the liver peroperative ultrasound and CT arterial portography is of great importance. These methods are highly sensitive (CTAP) and also specific (peroperative ultrasound). Angiography combined with therapeutic procedures, similarly as percutaneous thermoablation methods have become an integral part of intervention radiology. An advantage of this approach to treatment of malignant focal hepatic processes is short hospitalization, the procedure is done under local anaesthesia and treatment can be repeated. However careful indication of the procedure is essential, best by an indication commission (surgeon, oncologist, gastroenterologist, radiologist).