Trans-arterial chemo-embolization is safe and effective for very elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Table 2 Trans-arterial chemo-embolization procedure characteristics n (%)

	< 65 yr	65-75 yr	≥75 yr	P value
Number of procedures	93	129	61
Preparation for contrast material exposure	18 (19)	38 (29)	14 (22)	0.37
Iodine allergy and preparation	1 (1)	21 (16)	0 (0)	< 0.001
Antibiotic prophylaxis	68 (73)	95 (73)	44 (72)	0.7
Cefamezine	63 (67)	87 (67)	44 (71)
Ceftazidime	1 (1)	1 (0.7)	0 (0)
Clindamycin	2 (2)	1 (0.7)	0 (0)
Clindamycin and Ciprofloxacin	0 (0)	1 (0.7)	0 (0)
Vancomycin	2 (2)	1 (0.7)	0 (0)
Right upper quadrant abdominal pain	16 (17)	24 (18)	5 (8)	0.22
Nausea	9 (9.6)	17 (13.1)	1 (1.6)	0.057
Fatigue	6 (6)	6 (4)	1 (1)	0.36
Fever	21 (22)	26 (2)	5 (8)	0.07
Post-embolization syndrome	23 (24)	36 (27)	10 (16)	0.3
Readmission	3 (3.2)	8 (6.2)	1 (1.6)	0.34
Total length of stay	3.6 (1.14)	3.55 (1.1)	3.3 (0.9)	0.19