Efficacy and safety of bleomycin–lipiodol transarterial chemoembolization in giant hepatic hemangiomas: Insights from a single-center experience

Halil Serdar Aslan

doi:10.18614/dehm.1873881

Efficacy and safety of bleomycin–lipiodol transarterial chemoembolization in giant hepatic hemangiomas: Insights from a single-center experience

Abstract

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bleomycin–lipiodol transarterial chemoembolization in the treatment of giant hepatic hemangiomas based on data from our center and to assess volumetric changes in non-target hemangiomas, as well as the contribution of a coil-assisted superselective approach to procedural safety. METHODS Retrospective data from 23 patients who underwent bleomycin–lipiodol transarterial chemoembolization for the treatment of giant hepatic hemangiomas between October 2018 and December 2024 were analyzed. Target hemangioma volumes were calculated before the procedure and at 6 months of follow-up. Clinical success was defined as ≥ 50% volume reduction on ultrasonography at 6 months. Non-target hemangiomas were evaluated at mid- and long-term follow-up. Detachable mechanical coil embolization was performed for 4 patients to prevent reflux and vasospasm in the non-lesional parenchyma. Complications were classified according to Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe standards. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 51.2 ± 8.6 years, and 19 (82.6%) were female. No major complications or mortality were observed; minor complications occurred in 3 patients (13%). At 6 months, the mean volume reduction rate was 54.2 ± 11.3% (p < 0.001). Clinical success was achieved in 20 cases (87.0%). Volume reduction increased with longer follow-up, reaching 83% at 24 months and 94% at ≥ 36 months. Among 10 patients with multiple hemangiomas, non-target lesions demonstrated an average 85% reduction in volume in mid- to long-term follow-up evaluations. CONCLUSION Bleomycin–lipiodol transarterial chemoembolization is a safe and effective treatment for giant hepatic hemangiomas, achieving high efficacy with low morbidity. The treatment provides significant volume reduction not only in target lesions but also in non-target hemangiomas, suggesting a potential locoregional or diffuse pharmacological effect beyond the directly embolized area. Coil-assisted superselective embolization substantially enhances procedural safety. Bleomycin, embolization, eemangioma, lipiodol, liver

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Halil Serdar Aslan
0000-0002-5255-8618
Türkiye

Publication Date

January 28, 2026

Submission Date

November 5, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 27, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 40 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18614/dehm.1873881

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA42YP96NM

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Aslan, H. S. (2026). Efficacy and safety of bleomycin–lipiodol transarterial chemoembolization in giant hepatic hemangiomas: Insights from a single-center experience. Developments and Experiments in Health and Medicine, 40(1), 123-136. https://doi.org/10.18614/dehm.1873881

AMA

1.Aslan HS. Efficacy and safety of bleomycin–lipiodol transarterial chemoembolization in giant hepatic hemangiomas: Insights from a single-center experience. Dev Exp Health Med. 2026;40(1):123-136. doi:10.18614/dehm.1873881

Chicago

Aslan, Halil Serdar. 2026. “Efficacy and Safety of Bleomycin–lipiodol Transarterial Chemoembolization in Giant Hepatic Hemangiomas: Insights from a Single-Center Experience”. Developments and Experiments in Health and Medicine 40 (1): 123-36. https://doi.org/10.18614/dehm.1873881.

EndNote

Aslan HS (January 1, 2026) Efficacy and safety of bleomycin–lipiodol transarterial chemoembolization in giant hepatic hemangiomas: Insights from a single-center experience. Developments and Experiments in Health and Medicine 40 1 123–136.

IEEE

[1]H. S. Aslan, “Efficacy and safety of bleomycin–lipiodol transarterial chemoembolization in giant hepatic hemangiomas: Insights from a single-center experience”, Dev Exp Health Med, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 123–136, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.18614/dehm.1873881.

ISNAD

Aslan, Halil Serdar. “Efficacy and Safety of Bleomycin–lipiodol Transarterial Chemoembolization in Giant Hepatic Hemangiomas: Insights from a Single-Center Experience”. Developments and Experiments in Health and Medicine 40/1 (January 1, 2026): 123-136. https://doi.org/10.18614/dehm.1873881.

JAMA

1.Aslan HS. Efficacy and safety of bleomycin–lipiodol transarterial chemoembolization in giant hepatic hemangiomas: Insights from a single-center experience. Dev Exp Health Med. 2026;40:123–136.

MLA

Aslan, Halil Serdar. “Efficacy and Safety of Bleomycin–lipiodol Transarterial Chemoembolization in Giant Hepatic Hemangiomas: Insights from a Single-Center Experience”. Developments and Experiments in Health and Medicine, vol. 40, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 123-36, doi:10.18614/dehm.1873881.

Vancouver

1.Halil Serdar Aslan. Efficacy and safety of bleomycin–lipiodol transarterial chemoembolization in giant hepatic hemangiomas: Insights from a single-center experience. Dev Exp Health Med. 2026 Jan. 1;40(1):123-36. doi:10.18614/dehm.1873881