ABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the safety and curative effect of superior rectal artery chemoembolization in treating rectal cancer complicated by hepatic metastasis.Methods A total of 17 patients with rectal cancer complicated by hepatic metastases were treated with hepatic arterial chemoembolization together with subsequent superior rectal artery chemoembolization.Super-selective catheterization of superior rectal artery with a 3-F microcatheter was performed first,which was followed by perfusion of 5-Fu and oxaliplatin through the microcatheter,and then irinotecan and Lipiodol emulsion was injected.Results Technical success was obtained in all 17 patients.In 2-7 days after the treatment,the amount of faeces containing mucus,blood and pus was significantly increased,besides,obvious necrotic tissues could be observed in the faeces in some patients.Among the 3 patients who had complained of abdominal pain,the pain disappeared in 3 days (n=2) or in 5 days (n=1) after the treatment.One week after the treatment,anal pain disappeared in 5 patients and was remarkably improved in 2 patients;tenesmus feeling was significantly relieved in 7 patients although the improvement of tenesmus feeling was not obvious in other 4 patients.During the long period following-up,no intestinal perforation or local infection was observed.Conclusion For the treatment of rectal cancer associated with hepatic metastasis,superior rectal artery chemoembolization is safe and effective.It can quickly cause rectal tumor necrosis,which is an important therapeutic response in treating rectal cancer with comprehensive therapy.