ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with partial splenic embolization (PSE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with hypersplenism. MethodWe searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 11, 2015), PubMed, EMbase, CBM, VIP, CNKI and WanFang Data databases from inception to November 1st 2015, to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about TACE combined with PSE in treating HCC with hypersplenism. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 11 RCTs involving 708 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: Compared with TACE alone, TACE combined with PSE could significantly improve postoperative CD4 count (MD=6.99, 95%CI 4.60 to 9.38, P<0.00001), CD4/CD8 ratio (MD=0.64, 95% 0.45 to 0.84, P<0.00001), and the rate of half year survival (RR=1.16, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.32, P=0.02), decrease the incidences of spontaneous peritonitis (RR=0.20, 95%CI 0.05 to 0.48, P=0.03) and varices bleeding (RR=0.17, 95%CI 0.04 to 0.68, P=0.01). The two groups had similar incidence of post-embolization syndrome (RR=1.17, 95%CI 0.79 to 1.75, P=0.44). ConclusionTACE combined with PSE is more safe and effective than TACE alone in unresectable HCC with hypersplenism. Due to limited quantity and quality of the included studies, the above conclusion should be further verified by conducting more high quality, large scale RCTs.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of partial splenic embolization on splenectomy plus devascularization of esophageal and gastric vein. MethodsTwenty three cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension combined the hypersplenism (partial splenic embolization group), who received partial splenic embolization in our hospital from June 2010 to June 2015, as well as 30 cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension combined the hypersplenism without undergoing partial splenic embolization in the same period (non-partial splenic embolization group), were collected retrospectively. All patients underwent splenectomy plus devascularization of esophageal and gastric vein. Comparison of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion volume, postoperative total flow of abdominal drainage tube, postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery time, hospital stay, and the incidence of complication was performed. ResultsThe operation time[(3.56±0.70) h vs. (1.78±0.28) h], intraoperative blood loss (900 mL vs. 250 mL), intraoperative blood transfusion volume (800 mL vs. 200 mL), postoperative total flow of abdominal drainage tube (450 mL vs. 150 mL), postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery time[(43.38±18.68) h vs. (27.60±12.39) h], hospital stay (12 d vs. 7 d), and incidence of incision infection[34.8% (8/23) vs. 10.0% (3/30)] of partial splenic embolization group were all higher or longer than those corresponding indexes of non-partial splenic embolization group (P < 0.05). All patients of 2 groups were followed up by telephone visit for 6-58 months, and the median was 28-month. There was no recurrence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage during the follow-up period. ConclusionsSplenectomy is more difficult, and maybe has more intraoperative blood loss and complications for cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension combined the hypersplenism, who received partial splenic embolization ever. For these patents, the recovery time is longer. We should make choice of partial splenic embolization or splenectomy directly according to the patients' situation, to implement individualized treatment, so we can make the biggest benefit for patients.