Embolization of renal carcinoma. Comparison between the early results of Gelfoam and absolute ethanol embolization.

In a series 49 embolizations of 30 renal carcinomas, of which 21 were later nephrectomized, the early results of embolization with Gelfoam or absolute ethanol were compared. Embolization with absolute ethanol, using Citanest renal anaesthesia and a balloon occlusion catheter was significantly (p less than 0.001) more effective, and also caused significantly (p less than 0.05) less nausea or vomiting and almost significantly (p less than 0.10) less pain, compared with Gelfoam embolization.