- BALLOON-OCCLUDED RETROGRADE TRANSVENOUS OBLITERATION (BRTO)
- TRANSARTERIAL CHEMOEMBOLISATION (TACE)
- TRANSJUGULAR INTRAHEPATIC PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNT (TIPS)
- GASTROINTESTINAL AND OESOPHAGEAL STENTING
What is embolisation in oncology?
Tumours need a consistent supply of blood in order to grow. Embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists, in which the blood supply to masses or vessels which are causing symptoms in a patient is cut off, relieving the symptoms the patient experiences. In oncology, this involves using liquid, particles or microspheres to block blood vessels, redirecting blood flow away from the tumour. This causes the tumour to shrink and die.
What is TIPS?
A shunt is an artificial passage which allows fluid to move from one part of your body to another. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) connects the vein which brings blood from your gastrointestinal tract and intra-abdominal organs to your liver, and the vein from your liver to the right part of your heart.
What is stenting?
Stenting is the placement of a stent inside your body. A stent is a mesh tube made out of metal which can be inserted into a passage in the body (such as a vein) to act as a skeleton and keep it open. You may be advised to have a stent placed if you have a blockage in your gullet or bowel which is caused by a tumour.
Symptoms of a blockage in the gullet, stomach or small intestine include being unable to consume an adequate amount of food, nausea and vomiting. If you have a blockage in your large intestine you may find it difficult to go to the toilet.
A stent may also be used to keep a fistula open, which is a connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the organs or tissues around it.