Objective: To observe and compare the revasculation rate after embolization of hepatic artery-portal vein fistula (APVF) by gelatin sponge versus gelatin sponge with lipiodol.
Methods: The clinical data of 51 patients were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into Groups A and B. APVF was embolized by gelatin sponge alone in Group A and gelatin sponge with lipiodol in Group B. Then the investigators observed and compared the revasculation rate of hepatic artery-portal vein fistula at Days 30 - 40 and 60 - 70 post-embolization respectively.
Results: There was no statistical difference in age, gender, pathological types and hepatic functions before intervention between Groups A and B. One of 28 APVF sites was embolized unsuccessfully in Group A while all APVF cases were embolized successfully in Group B. The revasculation rate of hepatic APVF were 70.37% and 46.15% at Days 30 - 40 post-embolization in Groups A and B respectively (χ(2) = 4.25, P = 0.039, chi-square test); the revasculation rates of APVF were 92.59% and 88.46% respectively at Days 60 - 70 post-embolization (P = 0.67).
Conclusion: Interventional therapy of hepatic APVF by gelatin sponge and lipiodol is a safe method of reducing the short-term revasculation rate. It may be employed in clinical practices to save precious time for controlling hepatic malignant tumors.