Preoperative Embolization

Preoperative embolization is done to help cut the blood vessels off to the tumor. When the blood supply that feeds the tumor is shut off, bleeding can be better controlled during a surgical removal of the tumor.

Learn what to expect from surgery

Under a local anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision the patient’s groin to access the artery. A catheter is slowly moved through the artery to the blood vessels and to the site of the tumor. The surgeon releases a glue-like substance called an embolic agent, which seals the vessels and cuts off any blood from reaching it. This prepares the tumor for surgical removal and helps protect the patient from excessive blood loss