Objective To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in treating advanced bladder cancer. Methods A total of 22 patients with advanced bladder cancer were included in this study. The clinical data and the imaging materials were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical efficacy of TAE in treating advanced bladder cancer was evaluated. Results TAE was successfully accomplished in all the 22 patients. The preoperative and the postoperative abdominal pain scores were 4.73± 1.91 and 2.45±1.29 respectively, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01); the preoperative and the postoperative ECOG scores were 3.14±0.47 and 2.68±0.56 respectively (P<0.05); the preoperative and the postoperative hemoglobin levels were (61.4±11.8) g/L and (79.3±14.5) g/L respectively (P<0.01). Of 7 patients with urinary tract obstruction, after the treatment the obstruction disappeared in 5 and was improved in 2, although the urination was still not smooth. All patients were followed up for (7.1±3.0) months. The 6-month survival rate was 54.5% (12/22). No serious complications occurred in all patients. Conclusion TAE can not only effectively improve the hematuria and urinary tract obstruction symptoms caused by bladder cancer, but also effectively control the tumor growth, improve the quality of life and prolong the survival time as well.

ObjectiveTo review the multislice computed tomography (MSCT) characteristics and treatment of pyogenic liver abscess in elderly patients. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 42 elderly patients who were diagnosed with pyogenic liver abscess in our hospital from March 2001 to February 2014. The MSCT characteristics and clinical treatment of this disease were reviewed. Comparison between two groups was made by t test. ResultsAmong the 42 patients, 37 had the liver abscess in the right lobe, and 5 in the left lobe; 33 had single lesions, and 9 had grid- or honeycomb-like lesions. MSCT scan showed that all lesions had a lower density compared with normal hepatic tissues, and the CT values were approximately 6-40 Hu. In the arterial phase, 39 patients had lesions with peripheral rim enhancement, and 3 had no edge enhancement. Conservative treatment was given to 15 patients, among whom the diameter of abscess was 3.7±2.1 cm, the duration of fever was 11.7±4.1 d, and the average hospital stay was 22.6±5.3 d. Percutaneous drainage was performed in 27 patients, among whom the diameter of abscess was 6.3±2.8 cm, the duration of fever was 7.1±2.2 d, and the average hospital stay was 13.7±3.1 d. There were significant differences in the diameter of abscess, the duration of fever, and the length of hospital stay between the two groups (P=0.021, 0.026, and 0.006, respectively). ConclusionMSCT can accurately reveal the location and morphology of abscess, and correct diagnosis can be made in combination with the patient's medical history. Drainage guided by ultrasound or CT is an effective, minimally invasive, and safe treatment for controlling fever and promoting fast recovery in the elderly.