Superselective Gelfoam Blind Embolization of Arterial Hemorrhage Caused by Esophageal Neoplasia

Bleeding is a common symptom of esophageal neoplasm; endoscopic therapy remains the initial choice of treatment. Due to too huge size, massive bleeding or intoleration of the patient, endoscopic therapy fails to control the esophageal tumor bleeding; thus, many treatment methods have been investigated. Among different treatment methods, transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is proven clinically promising. However, not only we lack adequate experience of esophageal artery embolization, but also we don't absolutely understand its role and mechanism, TAE is rarely used for the treatment of esophageal cancer bleeding. Here, we present a case of severe esophageal cancer bleeding refractory to endoscopic therapy that was successfully managed with blind TAE using gelfoam slurry. No complication associated with this method was observed. We also review previous literatures.