Hepatic artery ligation and cytotoxic infusion in treatment of liver neoplasms.

Since 1970, 38 patients with multiple primary or secondary liver neoplasms have been treated by hepatic artery ligation and distal cytotoxic infusion with fluorouracil. There have been two postoperative deaths. Although liver enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and lactic dehydrogenase) rise markedly during the first three days, they usually return to preoperative levels within eight days. The median survival time of all patients, including the two postoperative deaths, was 13.3 months. The longest patient survival was 44 months. In the eight patients still living, the median survival time is 17 months, ranging from 11 to 27 months. Substantial palliation can be achieved by hepatic artery ligation and infusion with minimal morbidity and mortality.