Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) Treatment In India

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a specific type of chemoembolization that blocks the hepatic artery in order to treat liver cancer. This treatment is known as palliative treatment for HCC, Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer. It increases their life span by a few months or years, as the complete cure is not possible, and a transplant is the only option left for the patient. Max Hospital, India, provides TACE treatment at a very affordable cost. In TACE treatment, the blood supply to the tumour is blocked by Embolisation, and then chemotherapy is provided to the targeted tumours so that they cannot spread through the blood to the other parts of the patient’s body. The process involves supplying chemotherapy drugs to the liver through the hepatic artery and then blocking the artery for the drugs to work. In contrast, the liver keeps getting blood from the portal vein. This treatment shrinks the size of the tumour and can extend the life of the patient from 10 to 14 months.

Symptoms of HCC

1. Enlarged liver
2. Jaundice and esophageal variceal bleeding
3. A build-up of fluid near the lower abdomen area
4. Fever and detection of Hepatitis B or C
5. Unexplained weight loss in patients
6. Excessive drinking and Cirrhosis in the liver
7. Abdominal pain
8. Underlying portal hypertension
9. Wilson's disease

Medical Tests and Diagnosis

1. A review of the patient’s medical and family history for diseases.
2. 2D echo ultrasound and ECG of the patient will be carried out.
3. CT and MRI scans of the abdomen will be done 
4. Laboratory tests on the blood sample of the patient will be taken.
5. Doctors recommend some Chemotherapy drugs, depending on the tests and the report of angiography.

Pre-Surgery Precautions and Post-Surgery Recovery

Before the Surgery

1. The doctor informs the patient of all the risks involved during and post-surgery of TACE.
2. The doctor has to be informed about any medications that are taken by the patients.
3. Doctors advise stopping the intake of aspirin or any anti-inflammatory drugs.
4. Doctors advise on how to stop taking injectable anticoagulants if the patient is on any.
5. No drinking or eating after midnight before the day of the surgery, which includes water.
6. The doctor will ask about allergies or test for allergies to anaesthesia or contrast materials.

1. Provide antibiotic
2. Start intravenous infusion
3. Signature and permission of family in consent forms.

1. The doctor will provide medications for pain, nausea, and complete rest while advising patients to switch to a healthy lifestyle post-surgery.
2. Antibiotics will continue for the patient until 8 hours to decrease the chances of infection.
3. Many directives and regular checkups have to be attended by the patient, where the doctor will check the condition of the patient regularly.
4. After a month, a CT scan will be performed to check the size of the tumour if needed. The treatment of TACE will continue until the tumour has subsided.