Objective To study the therapeutic effect of temporary hepatic venous occlusion(TACE-THVO) in transplanted hepatoma rat model and to compare the effect between the adriamycin or the athanol iodized oil emulsion. Methods The seventy five SD rats with transplanted hepatoma were classified into five groups. In the control group, TACE-THVO was performed separately by injecting the adriamycin or the ethanol iodized oil emulsion. Within one week, ten rats in each group were all sacrificed. Then the results were analyzed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.Results (1) Gross study results: within one week, the hepatoma volume in each group was reduced after therapy. The experimental groups showed a lower tumour growth rate than that in the control groups; (2) Light microscopy results: within one week, the area of the tumor necrosis and the capacity of the adriamycin or the ethanol iodized oil emulsion in the portal venous were increased in the experimental groups rather than that in the control groups. The area of the tumor necrosis with the adriamycin iodized oil emulsion was less than that of the ethsnol iodized oil emulsion; (3) Scanning electron microscopy results: within one week, the rough-surfaced reticulum showed a hydropic degeneration. There might be lipodol drop in the tumor nuceus, which appeared karyorrhesis. Conclusion The area of the tumor necrosis with the ethanol iodized oil emulsion is larger than that of the adriamycin iodized oil emulsion. TACE-THVO may be a effective therapy for the hepatoma.