Preoperative Transarterial Embolization Research Articles

Investigating the Influence of Preoperative Trans Arterial Embolization (TAE) and Predictive Potential of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) in Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

IntroductionCirculating Tumor Cells are a promising biomarker in many malignancies. CTC dissemination during the operative procedure can lead to disease recurrence. The effect of preoperative Transarterial Embolization on the release of CTCs and miRNA panels and oncological outcomes in large hepatocellular carcinomas has been evaluated. Materials and MethodsThe study included non-metastatic HCC >5cm in size, that were completely resected after TAE (n=10). Blood was collected pre-TAE, post-TAE, postoperative (day 2,30 and 180) and analyzed for the presence of CTC and miRNA (miR885-5p, miR22-3p, miR 642b-5p). The samples were subjected to CTC enrichment, isolation and staining using the markers CD45, EpCAM and Cytokeratin (CK). The data was analyzed using Gene Expression Suite software. ResultsThe CTC enumeration resulted in three groups: Group 1- CTC present at both Pre TAE and postoperative day 30 (n=4), Group 2- CTC present Pre-TAE and clearing at postoperative day 30 (n=2), Group 3- No CTC detected at any stages (n=3). Group 2 patients had better survival as compared to the other groups. Downregulation of miRNA 22-3p also had favourable prognostic implications. ConclusionWhile preoperative TAE does not seem to impact CTC shedding, CTC clearance may prove to be a valuable biomarker in prognosticating HCC. A larger study to evaluate the significance of CTCs as a prognostic marker is warranted to further evaluate these findings.

The Optimal Time between Embolization and Surgery for Hypervascular Spinal Metastatic Tumors : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Preoperative transarterial embolization (TAE) of tumor feeders in hypervascular spine metastasis is known to reduce intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL) during surgery. The effect of TAE varies for several reasons, and one controllable factor is the timing between embolization and surgery. However, the adequate timing remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the timing and other factors that reduce EBL in spinal metastasis surgery through a meta-analysis. A comprehensive database search was performed to identify direct comparative studies of EBL stratified by the timing of surgery after TAE for spinal metastasis. EBL was analyzed according to the timing of surgery and other factors. Subgroup analyses were also performed. The difference in EBL was calculated as the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Among seven studies, 196 and 194 patients underwent early and late surgery after TAE, respectively. The early surgery was defined as within 1-2 days after TAE, while the late surgery group received surgery later. Overall, the MD in EBL was not different according to the timing of surgery (MD, 86.3 mL; 95% CI, -95.5 to 268.1 mL; p=0.35). A subgroup analysis of the complete embolization group demonstrated that patients who underwent early surgery within 24 hours after TAE had significantly less bleeding (MD, 233.3 mL; 95% CI, 76.0 to 390.5 mL; p=0.004). In cases of partial embolization, EBL was not significantly different regardless of the time interval. Complete embolization followed by early spinal surgery within 24 hours may reduce intraoperative bleeding for the patients with hypervascular spinal metastasis.

ROLE OF PREOPERATIVE EMBOLIZATION IN BONE TUMORS- A case control study

Preoperative embolization of bone tumor is a minimally invasive angiographic intervention technique and effective adjuvant treatment option for bone tumors. In 1975, Feldman was the rst to use the pre-operative arterial embolization technique to downstage the vascularity of bone tumors, thus reducing blood loss during surgery. Surgery remains the mainstay treatment option for bone tumors. Embolization reduces tumor vascularity and hence decreases intraoperative blood loss and intraoperative blood transfusion. It enables more accurate delineation of tissue planes during surgery, resulting in complete removal of the bone tumor. The most frequent bone tumors that typically need preoperative embolization are those difcult to operate on because of their huge size, high degree of vascularity, proximity to critical tissues, or difcult surgical access. PVA particles are regarded as a workhorse in preoperative transarterial embolization and thus used commonly as an embolizing agent. It is safe procedure and therefore can be used as part of the multidisciplinary approach to the management highly vascular bone tumors.

Effect of Pre-operative Trans-Arterial Embolisation (TAE) on Circulating Tumor Cells and Recurrence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Effect of Pre-operative Trans-Arterial Embolisation (TAE) on Circulating Tumor Cells and Recurrence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Resection of symptomatic focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver with pre-operative angioembolization

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a rare benign liver tumor in children. Treatment is only mandatory if the tumor is symptomatic and/or large. Transarterial embolization offers a safe alternative to surgery, but above all the possibility of performing limited hepatectomies. We report 2 cases, of 10 years old girl and 11 years old boy, who have a focal nodular hyperplasia affecting the left liver for the first one and the right liver for the second one. They were managed successfully by preoperative transarterial embolization followed by surgery.

Beneficial effects of preoperative superselective embolization on carotid body tumor surgery: A 13-year single-center experience

PurposeThis study presented our 13-year experience managing patients with CBTs (carotid body tumors) and was aimed to investigate the impact of pre-TAE (preoperative transarterial embolization) on CBT surgical resection.MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed 169 surgically excised CBTs between May 2007 and October 2020. According to whether to carry out the pre-TAE, the patients were classified into the embolization (EG) (n = 130) and non-embolization groups (NEG) (n = 39). Tumor classification was based on Shamblin criteria and tumor size. The demographic data, clinical features, and intraoperative and postoperative information about the patients were retrieved and analyzed.ResultsThe average tumor size was (43.49 vs. 35.44 mm, p = 0.04) for EG and NEG. The mean surgical time (195.48 vs. 205.64 mins, p = 0.62) and intraoperative BL (blood loss) (215.15 vs. 251.41 cc, p = 0.59) were less, but the incidence of revascularization required (29% vs. 33%, p = 0.62) and total complications (26% vs. 36%, p = 0.32) were lower in EG compared to NEG. Similarly, according to the subgroup analysis, no significant differences were detected in the surgical time, BL, adverse events (AEs), and the revascularization in EG when compared to NEG for type I (n = 5 vs. 7), II (n = 105 vs. 27), and III (n = 20 vs. 5), respectively except for the surgical duration in type III (p < 0.05). However, a significantly lower incidence of AEs (230.25 vs. 350 cc, p = 0.038) and a decline in BL (28.57% vs. 48.15%, p = 0.049) in EG were observed compared to those in NEG patients for large CBTs (≥ 30 mm as the cutoff point). No surgery-related mortality was observed during the follow-up.ConclusionsCBTs can be surgically resected safely and effectively with a need for pre-TAE, which significantly decreases the overall BL and AEs for large lesions (≥ 30 mm).

Intended preoperative trans-arterial embolization for large hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundGenerally, a large tumor size of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with poor visibility and uncertainty in the surgical field which results in increased surgical difficulty as well as unfavorable postoperative outcomes. We performed intended preoperative trans-arterial embolization (TAE) in patients with a large HCC. In this study, we investigated the oncological significance of intended preoperative TAE for a large HCC, using a comparison between patients with and without TAE, and detailed analyses for pre- and post-TAE status.MethodsA total of 411 patients who underwent hepatectomy for primary HCC at the University of Yamanashi Hospital between January 2007 and December 2018 were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: patients with larger HCCs (≥50 mm, n=51) and those with smaller HCC (<50 mm, n=360) according to the size of their HCCs. Comparison of clinicopathological features between these groups and clinical outcomes between the TAE and non-TAE groups were compared. In addition, a detailed analysis of each case in the TAE group was conducted, comparing clinicopathological factors between pre- and post-TAE status.ResultsThe clinical unfavorable short- and long-term outcomes of patients with large HCCs (≥50 mm) were revealed compared to those with small HCCs (<50 mm). The prognostic analyses showed that a large tumor size and increased tumor markers, multiple tumor numbers, and others were adverse prognostic factors, and vascular invasions and residual tumors were included in the multivariate analysis.Further detailed analyses revealed that the average rates of change in tumor size and tumor shrinkage after TAE were − 48.6±35.6 mm and − 30.7±17.0%, respectively. Pathological high necrotic changes in the tumor, after multiple-times TAE aiming to a better effect, were related to a better prognosis in patients with large HCC. Poor prognostic factors became less common in patients who underwent intended preoperative TAE, and these patients had better prognoses.ConclusionsThe large tumor size of HCC is associated with unfavorable outcomes; the intended preoperative TAE for large HCC patients performed multiple times aiming to affect the tumor as much as possible might improve their prognoses.

Vertebral Body Infarction after Transarterial Preoperative Embolization of a Vertebral Hemangioma.

Vertebral hemangioma resection can be a real challenge for spine surgeons, given the high potential of massive intraoperative bleeding. For this reason, preoperative transarterial embolization of this tumor is supported by the available literature. Here, we discuss our difficulties in interpreting an unusual clinical and radiologic picture related to the endovascular procedure. A 45-year-old man was referred to our department due to chronic back pain and progressive lower extremity weakness. Radiologic assessment was obtained by means of spinal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which showed an aggressive vertebral hemangioma in T7, compressing the spinal cord. The patient underwent a combined therapeutic approach consisting of preoperative transarterial embolization followed by tumor resection, spinal cord decompression, and posterior thoracic arthrodesis. The patient was dismissed with neither strength nor sensory deficits. Two weeks later, he returned to our department with fever. A new MRI demonstrated multiple areas of altered signal in almost all vertebral bodies from T6 down to the sacrum. After a deep diagnostic process, including new MRI and infectious disease evaluations, the definitive diagnosis of multiple vertebral bone infarction was suggested. Vertebral infarctions are an extremely rare complication of spinal endovascular procedures. To our knowledge, this is the first case of multiple postembolization vertebral infarctions, without spinal cord involvement. This peculiarity was explained by the presence of direct anastomoses between a posterior intercostal artery and the underlying vertebral bodies.

Multidisciplinary management of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma

BackgroundJuvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare benign, but the locally aggressive, vascular tumor that occurs almost exclusively in young men. Although this tumor accounts for only about 0.5% of head and neck tumors, it is by far the most common benign nasopharyngeal neoplasm. It is presented typically with epistaxis, obstructive symptoms, and chronic otomastoiditis. The examination of this tumor reveals pale reddish-blue mass. The tumor is seen on imaging as vividly augmenting soft-tissue mass centered on the sphenopalatine foramen. The treatment of choice is usually surgical resection; either open or endoscopic. Pre-operative embolization is usually done to help with hemostasis. We aim to address the efficiency and the safety of endovascular modality in JNA.MethodsIn the period between January 2012 to December 2017, 20 male patients with age ranging from 6 to 20 years were referred to the Endovascular Unit, at Departments of Neurosurgery in Sohag, Alexandria, and Tanta University Hospitals with JNF. Preoperative trans-arterial embolization was done, followed by endoscopic surgical resection by our ENT surgeons. All patients were subjected to clinical and radiological Imaging evaluation pre embolization, post embolization, and post endoscopic resection. All patients had clinical and radiological follow-ups for at least 1 year.Results20 male patients with JNA underwent preoperative super-selective trans-arterial embolization. The average age at presentation was 13 years. All patients underwent successful embolization with total obliteration of vascular blush of the tumor in 15 patients, and near-total obliteration of blush in 5 patients. The dramatic effect of preoperative embolization was observed on limiting intraoperative blood loss (average 200 ml) and decreasing the time of surgery (average 2.5 h). There was no permanent morbidity or mortality related to either embolization or endoscopic resection in all patients.ConclusionsTrans-arterial embolization is strongly recommended in patients with JNA, it offers a good assist to the surgeon, reduces blood loss, decreases the amount of transfusion, improves the degree of resection, reduces operative time, and decreases the incidence of recurrence.

The Utilization of the Cranio-Orbital Zygomatic Approach for the Resection of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Juvenile angiofibroma is a rare benign expansive lesion typically affecting young men. Surgery is the current mainstay of treatment. Because it is a very vascular lesion, preoperative transarterial embolization can decrease intraoperative bleeding.1,2 Transmaxillary or transpalatal approaches were used for totally extracranial lesions. Endonasal endoscopic resection became wildly used for radical excision with limited morbidity.2 In large lesions with intracranial extension and cavernous sinus involvement (Fisch type 4), purely anterior approaches (endoscopic or transmaxillary) can be associated with significant carotid artery and cranial nerves injuries and excessive hemorrhage from internal carotid artery supply that cannot be eliminated by preoperative embolization.3 Subtotal resection has been preconized in such cases, but tumor progression, cranial nerves and vision compromise, and major nasal postoperative bleeding could ensue. Radiotherapy of residual tumor has been associated with long-term complications, particularly given the young age of these patients.2 The cranio-orbital zygomatic approach provides an excellent exposure to the extensions into the middle fossa, anterior fossa, cavernous sinus, paranasal sinus, and infratemporal fossa components of large angiofibromas.4-6 It is particularly advantageous in the early interruption of the cavernous carotid feeders that are not amenable to safe embolization, rendering the tumor devascularized and bloodlessly resected. This article demonstrates the details and the advantages of this approach in a 13-year-old adolescent boy operated in 1997 for giant juvenile angiofibroma with extension in the middle fossa and the parasellar space with major vascularization from the cavernous carotid artery. The guardian consented to the procedure and publication of images. Image at 3:05 reprinted with permission from Al-Mefty O, Operative Atlas of Meningiomas. Vol 1, © LWW, 1998. Image at 3:25 from Arnautović KI, Al-Mefty O, Angtuaco E. A combined microsurgical skull-base and endovascular approach to giant and large paraclinoid aneurysms. Surg Neurol. 1998;50(6):504-520; © Elsevier, 1998. Used with permission. Image at 9:21 reprinted from Kempe LG and Krekorian EA,6 with permission from John Wiley and Sons, © 1969 The Triological Society.

Scheduling surgery after transarterial embolization: does timing make any difference to intraoperative blood loss for renal cell carcinoma bone metastases?

Our purpose is to clarify the optimal timing of surgery after transarterial embolization (TAE) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) bone metastases. This retrospective study included 41 patients with RCC bone metastases embolized between 2013 and 2019. Different-sized particulate and/or liquid embolic agents were used for TAE. Embolizations were categorized into groups 1-3 according to the interval between TAE and surgery (group 1: <1 day, group 2: 1-3 days, group 3: >3 days). Degree of embolization after TAE was graded visually based on angiographic images (<50%, 50%-75%, 75%-90%, >90%). The relationship between the TAE-surgery interval and intraoperative blood loss (IBL) and the correlation between IBL and embolization grade were examined. Lesion sizes and the relationships among lesion localizations and contrast media usage, intervention time, and IBL were also analyzed. Forty-six pre-operative TAEs (single lesion at each session) were performed in this study (26 in group 1, 13 in group 2, 7 in group 3). Lesion sizes and distributions were similar between groups (p = 0.897); >75% devascularization was achieved in 40 (TAEs 86.96%), but the IBL showed no correlation with the embolization rate (r=0.032, p = 0.831). The TAE-surgery interval was 1-7 days. The median IBL in group 1 (750 mL; range, 150-3000 mL) was significantly lower than those in the other groups (p = 0.002). Contrast media usage (p = 0.482) and intervention times (p = 0.261) were similar for metastases at different localizations. IBL values after TAE were lower for extremity metastases (p = 0.003). Bone metastases of RCC are well-vascularized, and to achieve lowest IBL values, surgery should preferably be performed <1 day after TAE.

Preoperative embolization of a giant benign phyllodes tumor: A case report and review of literature.

Introduction and importancePhyllodes tumors (PT) account for less than 1% of all breast tumors. Giant PTs can lead to breast disfigurement, tumoral ulceration, and bleeding. Outright surgical excision can be challenging or unsafe. Preoperative transarterial embolization (TAE) has a role but data on its use in the management of PT is limited.Case presentationA 43-year-old female presented with a 28 cm fungating, necrotic, benign PT on her left breast that eventually developed tumoral bleeding leading to hemodynamic instability. Preoperative TAE controlled the bleeding and allowed the safe performance of mastectomy. A literature review of preoperative TAE of PTs is also presented including the addition of a chemotherapeutic agent in malignant types.Clinical discussionPTs are rare and comprise only 2.5% of all fibroepithelial breast lesions. Tumoral bleeding causing severe anemia is one of the most common presentations of massive (≥20 cm) PTs, especially when neglected. Indications for preoperative TAE include (1) to halt rapid tumor growth, (2) to control active/persistent tumoral bleeding, and (3) to shrink the tumor size and allow successful resection with negative margins, and avoidance of skin grafting. Post-TAE side effects include fever, chest pain, gradual/expanding tumor necrosis, decrease in tumor weight, and diminished tumoral abscess/discharge, and loss of tumoral vessel elasticity.ConclusionNeglected PTs can reach an alarming size. Preoperative TAE is a safe and effective method of controlling life-threatening tumoral hemorrhage and decreasing the size of PTs thereby allowing definitive resection while avoiding skin grafting and/or flap reconstruction.

The earlier, the better: The beneficial effect of different timepoints of the preoperative transarterial embolization on ameliorating operative blood loss and operative time for carotid body tumors

BackgroundTo explore the effect of the optimal time interval from preoperative transarterial embolization to surgery of carotid body tumors by analyzing surgery-related indicators. MethodsThis single-center retrospective review included 103 patients and 108 carotid body tumor resections performed between June 2010 and June 2020. All carotid body tumors were divided into three groups based on interval time between transarterial embolization and surgery: 1-day group (G1), 2-day group (G2), and 3-day group (G3). Demographics, inflammatory biomarkers, periprocedural details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. ResultsAmong 103 patients, 48.54% were women, and the mean age was 37.07 years. The tumor sizes were 43.83, 44.31, and 42.84 mm in G1, G2, and G3, respectively, and the blood loss and operative time were 163.68, 331.54, and 683.68 mL, and 182.32, 216.31, and 280.79 mins with the prolonged time interval, respectively. Compared with pretransarterial embolization, the expression of white blood cells (109/L) and neutrophils (109/L) were obviously increased post-transarterial embolization in the three groups (G1: white blood cells 6.81 vs 9.32; neutrophils 0.54 vs 0.74, all P < .05. G2: white blood cells 7.19 vs 10.01, P = .118; neutrophils 0.54 vs 0.77, P < .05. G3: white blood cells 7.08 v. 12.37; neutrophils 0.59 vs 0.80, all P < .05), and those in G3 were significantly higher than those in G1. The incidences of revascularization, which was 30.26%, 53.85%, and 42.10%, and adverse events (26.32%, 30.77%, and 21.05%) were not significantly different among G1, G2, and G3. ConclusionThe optimal time interval between preoperative transarterial embolization and surgical resection resulted as 1 day as patients in this group showed obvious lower blood loss and shorter duration of operation than patients in other groups. Both inflammation and recanalization provided support for these results at some extent.

Shoulder Pain-Basketball

HISTORY: 16 year-old male multi-sport athlete developed left shoulder and anterior chest pain while weight lifting in the off season. Initial shoulder and pectoralis evaluation was unremarkable. He initiated PT with limited improvement and subsequently discontinued his participation in sports. His pain was suggested to be chronic and exacerbated with running, sneezing and movement of neck and shoulders. Due to ongoing symptoms and lack of diagnosis, a second opinion was sought at our institution. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Well appearing with age appropriate development. No significant atrophy, swelling or deformity of the left shoulder or spine. Midline tenderness to palpation T1-T3. No tenderness to palpation of the anterior chest wall. Limited neck flexion, otherwise neck and left shoulder ROM were full and pain free. Bilateral upper extremities had full and symmetric muscle strength and physiologic reflexes. Minimal pain with left empty can/full can provocative testing. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Rotator cuff tendinopathy, Pectoralis strain, Brachial Plexopathy, Mechanical back pain, Neoplasm TESTS AND RESULTS: MRI chest: lobulated enhancing mass T2 vertebral body with soft tissue infiltration of the left T1-3 neuroforamen and involvement of the epidural space with mass effect on the spinal cord. CT guided biopsy: bone forming neoplasm FINAL WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Aggressive Osteoblastoma TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: Shoulder pain was referred from central neoplastic process and pediatric oncology and orthopedic surgery consulted. Surgical resection pursued with pre-operative transarterial embolization. Stage 1: anterior T2 vertebrectomy with placement of expandable cage. Stage 2: posterior epidural tumor removal, decompression and instrumented fusion C7-T5. Final surgical pathology osteoblastoma. PM&R consulted and patient worked with PT and OT during acute hospital stay. Rapidly progressed from mod-max to min assistance for ADL/IADLs and functional mobility. Discharged post-op day 7 with home exercise program for left upper extremity incoordination. Stable 3 week post-op visit, will start formal OT upon returning home.

Preoperative transarterial embolization of a recurrent orbital solitary fibrous tumor with significant hypervascularity: a case report

BackgroundOrbital solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare neoplasms. Recurrent, hypervascular, malignant variations of orbital SFTs have recently been noted and can present a surgical challenge.Case presentationWe describe a case of a 53-year-old Chinese woman with a history of a resected orbital SFT. She presented with proptosis, limited eyeball movement, and visual loss in the right eye, suggestive of a recurrent SFT. Ocular examination with multimodal imaging revealed a large, nonpulsatile, noncompressible, hypervascular mass behind the eyeball. The patient underwent preoperative transarterial embolization of the main blood supply to the tumor in order to control intraoperative blood loss, followed by ocular enucleation to optimize exposure and enable complete resection of the tumor. Embolization of the right ophthalmic artery and the distal branch of the right internal maxillary artery caused an immediate, substantial reduction of vascular flow, which allowed us to enucleate the eyeball and resect the tumor with minimal blood loss and no complications.ConclusionsOur case is so far the first Chinese case of successful preoperative embolization of the main blood supply to a large, recurrent, hypervascular orbital SFT. This case also described a different surgical approach to achieve total removal of an orbital SFT without osteotomy.

Preoperative transarterial embolization for solitary fibrous tumor of the tongue: A case report.

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are derived from mesenchymal cells originating mainly from the pleura. Reports of bleeding SFTs in head and neck regions are rare. A number of reports have focused on tongue SFT treatments, but to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports on the usefulness of preoperative arterial embolization. Intraoperative and postoperative bleeding can also lead to airway problems. To avoid unnecessary tracheostomy and ligation of the external carotid artery, preoperative vascular embolism should be considered while removing large tumors or tumors with high blood flow. The current report outlines a case of a 32-year-old woman with a tongue solitary fibrous tumor, who underwent right lingual artery embolization with 300-500 and 500-700 µm embosphere microspheres through a vascular catheter the day before surgical resection. The encapsulated tumor was completely excised under general anesthesia with little to no bleeding during the operation.

STMO-02 Efficacy of preoperative embolization for hemangioblastoma

Introduction: Preoperative transarterial embolization (TAE) for hemangioblastoma carries a risk of cerebral infarction and hemorrhagic complications, and its safety and efficacy are controversial.Method: Twenty-two cases of hemangioblastoma (cerebellar: 18 cases, medulla oblongata: 3 cases, spinal cord: 1 case) treated via direct surgery in our hospital from 2007 to 2020 were enrolled.Results: Preoperative TAE was performed in 6 cases of cerebellar hemangioblastoma (1 bilateral case) and 1 case of spinal hemangioblastoma. The cerebellar hemangioblastoma feeders were only superior cerebellar artery (SCA) in 3 cases, SCA/anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA)/posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) in 2 cases, AICA/PICA in 1 case, and single drainer in 5 cases. Tumors were ≥30 mm in all cases (25 mm on 1 side in bilateral cases), and solid or nodular lesions were located on the upper surface of the cerebellum. Cerebellar edema was severe in five cases with hydrocephalus. TAE was performed under local anesthesia in all cases, using a coil alone in two cases and liquid or particle embolization material in five cases. The day before direct surgery, TAE was performed in four cases, one of which underwent emergency decompression due to severe cerebellar edema. Three cases were intentionally embolized on the day of direct surgery. The median blood loss during direct surgery was 100 ml. Although cerebral infarction was observed in all cases, there were no cases of brain stem infarction or hemorrhagic complications. The Modified Rankin Scale at discharge was 0 in 2 cases, 1 in 3 cases, 3 in 1 case, and 4 in 1 case.Discussion/Conclusion: Preoperative TAE for hemangioblastoma reduced the blood loss for direct surgery. Same-day TAE avoided neurological deficit due to cerebral infarction and cerebellar edema. To prevent severe infarction, guiding the microcatheter to the vicinity of the tumor bed is important.

Preoperative Transarterial Embolization of Malignant Tumors of the Extremities (Current State of the Problem) (Review)

Summary. The article considers current issues of modern medicine, in particular the use of the method of transarterial embolization of blood vessels in the treatment of malignant tumors of the extremities. The purpose, indications, technical features and materials used for its implementation, as well as contraindications and complications are highlighted. Its efficiency in preparation of the patient for a surgery of musculoskeletal malignant tumor is considered. Analysis of the modern domestic and foreign literature shows that now indications for use of this method expand, and technical possibilities of the equipment and physical and chemical properties of materials improve. The issues of further study and development of the problem are outlined.

Long-Term Outcomes of Excision Surgery for Aggressive Vertebral Hemangiomas

We describe the clinical outcomes in patients with aggressive vertebral hemangiomas (AVHs) after total tumor excision and discuss the treatment options for AVHs. A retrospective data review of 15 patients (6 men, 9 women) with AVHs who underwent total excision between 1996 and 2018 was performed. In total, 13 thoracic and 2 lumbar lesions were involved with 8 type A-D tumors and 7 type B-D tumors based on the Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini classification. All tumors showed low or low-iso signal intensity by T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. All patients received a combination of preoperative transarterial embolization and total tumor excision including the tumor margins. Eleven patients underwent total tumor excision as the initial surgery (total en bloc spondylectomy= 10 patients, piecemeal total tumor excision= 1 patient), and 4 underwent it as either a revision procedure 2 weeks after ineffective laminectomy or in the long-term follow-up (4-14 years) as a piecemeal total tumor excision. Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 150 to 3400 mL (mean, 1314 mL). None of the cases had a recurrence during the mean follow-up period of 128.4 ± 88.6 months. Low signal intensity on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was observed in all the patients with AVHs. The long-term clinical results of the preoperative transarterial embolization and total tumor excision were satisfactory. The effect of decompressive incomplete tumor excision is temporary for AVHs, and repeated tumor excision may be necessary because of tumor recurrence in the long term. Reliable total tumor excision during the initial surgery is desirable.

Preoperative Embolization in Carotid Body Tumor Surgery—Benefit or Risk?

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare head and neck paragangliomas with an incidence of 0.03% of all tumors. Risk of malignant transformation is 5% to 10%. Preoperative transarterial embolization can facilitate resection of the highly vascularized tumors, yet the benefit of this procedure has not yet been demonstrated clearly. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of preoperative transarterial embolization with focus on patient safety and on selection criteria for individual treatment decisions. All consecutive patients operated on for CBTs from 1988 to 2018 were analyzed. After prospective collection in a dedicated database, data were analyzed retrospectively. Diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. After approval by the university ethics committee and informed consent, genetic testing for mutations of the gene encoding succinate dehydrogenase was initiated routinely in 2006. Preoperative embolization was performed by experienced interventional radiologists using microcatheter techniques. A total of 80 patients underwent resection of 91 CBTs (57 women, 23 men; age, 24-86 years; mean age, 55.7 ± 16.4 years ). In four patients, a tumor recurrence or lymph node infiltration was diagnosed (malignant CBT). Genetic testing detected succinate dehydrogenase mutations in 47% (28/57 patients). Tumor diameter was 1.1 to 7.2 cm. Fourteen patients with a mean tumor diameter of 4.6 cm (range, 2.0-6.2 cm) underwent preoperative embolization after interdisciplinary discussion. In one patient (75-year-old man), embolization could not be completed because of development of a temporary neurologic deficit during the procedure (ipsilateral transitory ischemic attack). No other adverse effects due to embolization were observed. Surgery was performed 24 to 48 hours after intervention. Intraoperative blood loss and operating times did not differ significantly between patients with or without preoperative embolization. However, the subjective impression of the operating surgeons was that tumor resection was facilitated by embolization. Preoperative embolization in CBTs is a safe and effective preoperative strategy in large carotid paragangliomas, rarely leading to neurologic complications. Criteria for optimized selection of patients to develop individualized preoperative strategies and clear recommendations on candidates for embolization have yet to be identified. Because of the rarity of the tumor, a randomized trial is difficult to organize.