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Chapter 11 Hepatic Artery Chemoembolization |
Radioisotope and two chemotherapy drugs are injected here.
Embolization is offered at many centers in Canada. The London program, however, is unique because it combines a radioisotope (I‐131 Lipiodol) with two chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin and doxorubicin).
If you get this treatment, you will stay in the hospital for at least 6 days. You will not be radioactive and you may be in a room with other patients. There are no special limits on visitors.
How will I feel after chemoembolization?
Most people feel some discomfort during the procedure. This might include feelings of warmth, flushing, pain, and nausea. You will be able to manage your pain during and after the procedure by using an intravenous pain pump. Antinausea drugs will be given before, during and after the treatment. When the treatment is done, you will be cared for in a recovery room for at least 2 hours. Nurses will watch for bleeding from the catheter site and they will check your blood pressure and pulse. They will also watch for any carcinoid symptoms.
A few days after treatment, you may feel some discomfort in the area of your liver or have increased carcinoid symptoms, such as flushing. You may not feel hungry and you may feel tired. Your nurses and doctors will order medicine to help manage these symptoms.
Some people cannot have this treatment because of certain conditions. Embolization is not safe if you have had any of the following:
- Previous surgery that has changed the bile system (such as stents or shunts);
- Too much tumour growth in the liver;
- Abnormal liver tests;
- Not enough blood flowing through the portal vein;
- Excess fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
If you receive this treatment, more information will be given to you before the treatment.
| << Patient Booklet Main Page >> | |
| << Chapter 10 Radioisotope Therapy |
Chapter 12 >> Will I have to go to London for all my treatments? |