What is a potential complication of TACE and SIRT procedures?

Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) and Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) are both interventional procedures aimed at treating liver tumors by selectively delivering therapeutic agents to the tumor while reducing blood supply. A potential complication of these procedures is the development of a hepatic abscess.

Hepatic abscesses can occur when bacteria or fungi enter the liver tissue, particularly if there is an injury to the liver or an ischemic event following the procedures. The embolization of hepatic arteries can lead to ischemia of surrounding tissues, increasing the risk of infection which may then culminate in an abscess. The introduction of substances used in TACE, like chemotherapeutic agents or radiotherapy microspheres, can also create a conducive environment for infection if the immune response is compromised.

Other complications associated with these procedures can include liver dysfunction, bile duct injuries, and post-embolization syndrome, but a hepatic abscess is specifically linked to the risk of infection due to necrosis or damage caused by the procedures. The management of a hepatic abscess typically involves imaging for diagnosis followed by drainage and antibiotic therapy, emphasizing the importance of monitoring after TACE and SIRT for any signs of such complications.