Preoperative embolization in surgical management of massive thoracic tumors.

BACKGROUND: The surgical excision of a highly vascular giant tumor may be challenging. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with preoperative percutaneous embolization of massive vascular chest tumors before surgical excision. METHODS: From 2009 to 2011, 8 cases of giant vascular thoracic tumor were treated at Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt, by preoperative embolization of the feeding arteries followed by successful excision after 48 h. RESULTS: The median age of the 8 patients was 39 years. Embolization of their tumors resulted in a reduction of tumor size, and minimal blood loss was observed perioperatively. Perilesional edema and easy differentiation of ischemic tissue facilitated complete surgical removal of the tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative embolization of giant vascular thoracic tumors is useful to decrease perioperative blood loss and facilitate total excision.