The utility and efficacy of preoperative embolization for hypervascular tumor by NBCA

Preoperative embolization for hypervascular tumors is typically performed using particle agents such as polyvinyl alcohol, gelfoam powder, and fibrin glue. Furthermore, n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) is used in patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or an AV shunt. However, few reports have described the efficacy of NBCA in treating hypervascular tumors. Here, we report cases of hypervascular tumors in which preoperative embolization was performed using NBCA. We also discuss the difference between the efficacy of a liquid agent and a particle agent for hypervascular tumor embolization. We analyzed 10 cases encountered at our institution since 2004 in which preoperative embolization was performed using NBCA. In all cases, NBCA was injected through the tumor-feeding artery. In eight of these cases, preoperative embolization decreased intraoperative bleeding and markedly reduced the tumor stain. In the remaining two cases, complications occurred but without any permanent sequel. Thus, NBCA is useful for preoperative embolization.