Transthoracic percutaneous ethanol injection into the liver.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The feasibility of the new transthoracic approach of percutaneous ethanol injection through the lower lung to the subphrenic region of the liver was evaluated in normal rats.

METHODS

Fourteen normal rats received percutaneous ethanol injection. A 22-gauge fine needle was inserted into the liver via the thoracic cage and through the lower lung parenchyma under computed tomographic (CT) guidance. After ethanol (0.1-0.2 mL) was injected, three follow-up CT scans were performed: immediately after, 1 day after, and 1 week after the initial injection. All animals were killed 1 week after injection to evaluate macroscopic changes of the diaphragm and pleura.

RESULTS

No major complications were observed. Minor complications were observed in six rats; these included one pneumothorax (7%) and five band-like and streaky shadows (presumably pulmonary hemorrhages) (35%) on the CT scan obtained immediately after the procedure. However, all complications had disappeared spontaneously in the follow-up CT scan obtained 1 day after the procedure. At autopsy, no pleural changes were seen.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that percutaneous ethanol injection through the lower lung parenchyma is achievable. Although this study was performed only in normal rats, the transthoracic approach can be a complementary method of ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol injection for tumors in the subphrenic region of the liver. Further study will be needed in abnormal livers and then in human subjects to verify the safety and efficacy of this procedure.