Aim: To establish the effectiveness of large-volume percutaneous ethanol injection under general anesthesia (Shot-PEI) as a local method for destruction of large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Patients and methods: 46 patients with 48 HCC were treated with Shot-PEI. 1-4 sessions per lesion were performed with 12-138 ml ethanol per session.
Results: Complete destruction was achieved in 43.8% of the tumors. Major complications occurred in 10.9% of the patients. Local recurrences were 19%.
Conclusion: Shot-PEI is an effective method for destruction of large tumors and multiplies the therapeutic options in HCC.