Percutaneous ethanol injection

Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), also known as alcohol ablation, is a medical procedure where a small volume of absolute alcohol is injected into a lesion, typically a tumor, to kill the cells. This procedure is most commonly used in the treatment of liver cancer, but can also be used for other types of cancer and non-cancerous conditions.

Procedure

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. A thin needle is inserted through the skin (percutaneously) and guided to the lesion using ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) guidance. Once the needle is in place, a small amount of absolute alcohol is injected. The alcohol causes the cells in the lesion to dehydrate and die.

Uses

PEI is most commonly used to treat small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer. It is particularly useful for patients who are not suitable for surgery or other treatments due to poor liver function or other health issues.

PEI can also be used to treat other types of cancer, including thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, and breast cancer. In addition, it can be used to treat non-cancerous conditions such as thyroid nodules and cystic lesions.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of PEI depends on the size and location of the lesion. It is most effective for lesions smaller than 3 cm in diameter. For larger lesions, PEI may be used in combination with other treatments such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Risks

As with any medical procedure, PEI carries some risks. These include infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding tissues. However, these risks are generally low.

See also

• Liver cancer
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Transarterial chemoembolization

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