Discharge Instructions for TransArterial ChemoEmbolization (TACE)

 

What is a TACE?

A TACE is a minimally invasive procedure. It limits the blood supply of (embolizes) and gives chemotherapy directly into a tumor. The doctor gets into your arteries by placing a catheter (a long tube) into a large artery in your groin or wrist. Contrast dye visible to an x-ray machine is injected into the arteries. X-rays help guide the catheter to the tumor and small embolic particles (like grains of sand) coated in chemotherapy are injected into an artery that has been feeding the tumor. The particles become stuck and deliver chemotherapy directly to the tumor and not to healthy tissues. 

How can you care for yourself at home?

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take to recover. Please remember, each person recovers at a different speed.

 

Recovering from Anesthesia and Sedation

You had local anesthesia (a shot to numb the area). You may feel some pain and discomfort as it wears off.

 

You may have also gotten a sedative to help you relax, as well as pain medication to ease pain. These are usually given in a vein (by IV).

 

Common side effects from sedation include:

• Feeling sleepy. Your doctors and nurses will make sure you are not too sleepy to go home.
• Nausea and vomiting. This usually does not last long. See below for medication instructions. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

 

If you received sedation, for the next 24 hours please avoid:

• Alcoholic beverages;
• Making important personal, business, and legal decisions;
• Driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing anything that requires coordination and balance.

 

Recovery Instructions 

• You may have moderate abdominal (belly area) pain over the next few days. Some people have pain in the right shoulder. This is called referred pain. It is caused by pain traveling along a nerve from your liver. This pain usually lasts less than 12 hours. 

• You may have flu-like symptoms such as fatigue (tired feeling), nausea, poor appetite, a low grade fever (less than 101.5̊ F, or 38°C), night sweats and/or chills when you go home. Most of these symptoms should improve after 4 to 5 days. Fatigue typically lasts longer. You can expect to have less energy than normal for 2-3 weeks.

 

Diet:

• You can eat and drink fluids as tolerated. Start will clear liquids and work up to solid foods. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Extra fluids will help flush the contrast dye from your body.

 

Activity:

• Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for the first 3 days after the procedure.
• Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
• Limit climbing stairs today and tomorrow if the puncture site was in your groin.
• Rest when you feel tired, especially for the first 48 hours. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• You can go back to normal activities as you feel up to it. Start slowly and listen to your body, do not overdo it. Most people are ready to return to work 7 to 10 days after the procedure if not sooner.
• You can drive 2 days after the procedure if you are not taking any opioid pain medication.
• You can shower 24 hours after your procedure.

 

Caring for the puncture site:

• You may have a small amount of bruising at the puncture site (where the catheter entered your skin). This is normal and should go away over the next several days.
• Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
• Gently clean the puncture site and the skin around it with soap and water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which may slow healing.
• Gently pat the puncture site dry. Apply new gauze and tape or a Band-Aid.
• Change the bandage and clean the puncture site every day until it has healed completely (usually 2-3 days).
• Do not use any lotion or powder near the puncture site.
• Do not take a bath or swim until it has healed completely.
• There should be no or very minimal bleeding from the puncture site.
  • If you had a groin puncture and notice bleeding, lie down. Apply direct pressure to the area for 20 minutes.
  • You must notify the Interventional Radiologist right away.

Follow-Up Care

• Make a follow-up appointment with Interventional Radiology for 2 weeks after your procedure date.
• Your referring doctor will arrange a 4-6 week follow-up MRI or CT scan to see how well your treatment worked.
• Schedule a follow-up visit with your Oncologist within 4 weeks.
• Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It is also a good idea to know your test results and keep an up-to-date list of the medications you take.

 

When should you call for help? Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if you: You pass out (lose consciousness). You have uncontrolled bleeding from the puncture site.   Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if you have: You have very bad pain not relieved by medication. If you had a radial or wrist puncture: numbness, tingling or difficulty moving your hand. You have increasing weakness or dizziness. You have persistent nausea, vomiting or the inability to keep fluids or food down. You have signs of infection such as: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the puncture site. Pus draining or red streaks leading from the puncture site. A fever over 101.5̊ F (38°C) that does not go down with over-the-counter medications and lasts longer than 24 hours, chills, or body aches.

 

You can speak to a provider in Interventional Radiology:

• Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 212-263-5898.
• Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 212-263-5230 and ask the front desk to contact the Vascular Interventional Radiologist on call.

 

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you do not get better as expected.

 

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.

Discharge Instructions for TransArterial ChemoEmbolization (TACE)

 

What is a TACE?

A TACE is a minimally invasive procedure. It limits the blood supply of (embolizes) and gives chemotherapy directly into a tumor. The doctor gets into your arteries by placing a catheter (a long tube) into a large artery in your groin or wrist. Contrast dye visible to an x-ray machine is injected into the arteries. X-rays help guide the catheter to the tumor and small embolic particles (like grains of sand) coated in chemotherapy are injected into an artery that has been feeding the tumor. The particles become stuck and deliver chemotherapy directly to the tumor and not to healthy tissues. 

How can you care for yourself at home?

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take to recover. Please remember, each person recovers at a different speed.

 

Recovering from Anesthesia and Sedation

You had local anesthesia (a shot to numb the area). You may feel some pain and discomfort as it wears off.

 

You may have also gotten a sedative to help you relax, as well as pain medication to ease pain. These are usually given in a vein (by IV).

 

Common side effects from sedation include:

• Feeling sleepy. Your doctors and nurses will make sure you are not too sleepy to go home.
• Nausea and vomiting. This usually does not last long. See below for medication instructions. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

 

If you received sedation, for the next 24 hours please avoid:

• Alcoholic beverages;
• Making important personal, business, and legal decisions;
• Driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing anything that requires coordination and balance.

 

Recovery Instructions 

• You may have moderate abdominal (belly area) pain over the next few days. Some people have pain in the right shoulder. This is called referred pain. It is caused by pain traveling along a nerve from your liver. This pain usually lasts less than 12 hours. 

• You may have flu-like symptoms such as fatigue (tired feeling), nausea, poor appetite, a low grade fever (less than 101.5̊ F, or 38°C), night sweats and/or chills when you go home. Most of these symptoms should improve after 4 to 5 days. Fatigue typically lasts longer. You can expect to have less energy than normal for 2-3 weeks.

 

Diet:

• You can eat and drink fluids as tolerated. Start will clear liquids and work up to solid foods. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Extra fluids will help flush the contrast dye from your body.

 

Activity:

• Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for the first 3 days after the procedure.
• Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
• Limit climbing stairs today and tomorrow if the puncture site was in your groin.
• Rest when you feel tired, especially for the first 48 hours. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• You can go back to normal activities as you feel up to it. Start slowly and listen to your body, do not overdo it. Most people are ready to return to work 7 to 10 days after the procedure if not sooner.
• You can drive 2 days after the procedure if you are not taking any opioid pain medication.
• You can shower 24 hours after your procedure.

 

Caring for the puncture site:

• You may have a small amount of bruising at the puncture site (where the catheter entered your skin). This is normal and should go away over the next several days.
• Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
• Gently clean the puncture site and the skin around it with soap and water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which may slow healing.
• Gently pat the puncture site dry. Apply new gauze and tape or a Band-Aid.
• Change the bandage and clean the puncture site every day until it has healed completely (usually 2-3 days).
• Do not use any lotion or powder near the puncture site.
• Do not take a bath or swim until it has healed completely.
• There should be no or very minimal bleeding from the puncture site.
  • If you had a groin puncture and notice bleeding, lie down. Apply direct pressure to the area for 20 minutes.
  • You must notify the Interventional Radiologist right away.

Follow-Up Care

• Make a follow-up appointment with Interventional Radiology for 2 weeks after your procedure date.
• Your referring doctor will arrange a 4-6 week follow-up MRI or CT scan to see how well your treatment worked.
• Schedule a follow-up visit with your Oncologist within 4 weeks.
• Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It is also a good idea to know your test results and keep an up-to-date list of the medications you take.

 

When should you call for help? Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if you: You pass out (lose consciousness). You have uncontrolled bleeding from the puncture site.   Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if you have: You have very bad pain not relieved by medication. If you had a radial or wrist puncture: numbness, tingling or difficulty moving your hand. You have increasing weakness or dizziness. You have persistent nausea, vomiting or the inability to keep fluids or food down. You have signs of infection such as: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the puncture site. Pus draining or red streaks leading from the puncture site. A fever over 101.5̊ F (38°C) that does not go down with over-the-counter medications and lasts longer than 24 hours, chills, or body aches.

 

You can speak to a provider in Interventional Radiology:

• Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 212-263-5898.
• Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 212-263-5230 and ask the front desk to contact the Vascular Interventional Radiologist on call.

 

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you do not get better as expected.

 

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.

Discharge Instructions for TransArterial ChemoEmbolization (TACE)

 

What is a TACE?

A TACE is a minimally invasive procedure. It limits the blood supply of (embolizes) and gives chemotherapy directly into a tumor. The doctor gets into your arteries by placing a catheter (a long tube) into a large artery in your groin or wrist. Contrast dye visible to an x-ray machine is injected into the arteries. X-rays help guide the catheter to the tumor and small embolic particles (like grains of sand) coated in chemotherapy are injected into an artery that has been feeding the tumor. The particles become stuck and deliver chemotherapy directly to the tumor and not to healthy tissues. 

How can you care for yourself at home?

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take to recover. Please remember, each person recovers at a different speed.

 

Recovering from Anesthesia and Sedation

You had local anesthesia (a shot to numb the area). You may feel some pain and discomfort as it wears off.

 

You may have also gotten a sedative to help you relax, as well as pain medication to ease pain. These are usually given in a vein (by IV).

 

Common side effects from sedation include:

• Feeling sleepy. Your doctors and nurses will make sure you are not too sleepy to go home.
• Nausea and vomiting. This usually does not last long. See below for medication instructions. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

 

If you received sedation, for the next 24 hours please avoid:

• Alcoholic beverages;
• Making important personal, business, and legal decisions;
• Driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing anything that requires coordination and balance.

 

Recovery Instructions 

• You may have moderate abdominal (belly area) pain over the next few days. Some people have pain in the right shoulder. This is called referred pain. It is caused by pain traveling along a nerve from your liver. This pain usually lasts less than 12 hours. 

• You may have flu-like symptoms such as fatigue (tired feeling), nausea, poor appetite, a low grade fever (less than 101.5̊ F, or 38°C), night sweats and/or chills when you go home. Most of these symptoms should improve after 4 to 5 days. Fatigue typically lasts longer. You can expect to have less energy than normal for 2-3 weeks.

 

Diet:

• You can eat and drink fluids as tolerated. Start will clear liquids and work up to solid foods. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Extra fluids will help flush the contrast dye from your body.

 

Activity:

• Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for the first 3 days after the procedure.
• Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
• Limit climbing stairs today and tomorrow if the puncture site was in your groin.
• Rest when you feel tired, especially for the first 48 hours. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• You can go back to normal activities as you feel up to it. Start slowly and listen to your body, do not overdo it. Most people are ready to return to work 7 to 10 days after the procedure if not sooner.
• You can drive 2 days after the procedure if you are not taking any opioid pain medication.
• You can shower 24 hours after your procedure.

 

Caring for the puncture site:

• You may have a small amount of bruising at the puncture site (where the catheter entered your skin). This is normal and should go away over the next several days.
• Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
• Gently clean the puncture site and the skin around it with soap and water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which may slow healing.
• Gently pat the puncture site dry. Apply new gauze and tape or a Band-Aid.
• Change the bandage and clean the puncture site every day until it has healed completely (usually 2-3 days).
• Do not use any lotion or powder near the puncture site.
• Do not take a bath or swim until it has healed completely.
• There should be no or very minimal bleeding from the puncture site.
  • If you had a groin puncture and notice bleeding, lie down. Apply direct pressure to the area for 20 minutes.
  • You must notify the Interventional Radiologist right away.

Follow-Up Care

• Make a follow-up appointment with Interventional Radiology for 2 weeks after your procedure date.
• Your referring doctor will arrange a 4-6 week follow-up MRI or CT scan to see how well your treatment worked.
• Schedule a follow-up visit with your Oncologist within 4 weeks.
• Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It is also a good idea to know your test results and keep an up-to-date list of the medications you take.

 

When should you call for help? Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if you: You pass out (lose consciousness). You have uncontrolled bleeding from the puncture site.   Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if you have: You have very bad pain not relieved by medication. If you had a radial or wrist puncture: numbness, tingling or difficulty moving your hand. You have increasing weakness or dizziness. You have persistent nausea, vomiting or the inability to keep fluids or food down. You have signs of infection such as: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the puncture site. Pus draining or red streaks leading from the puncture site. A fever over 101.5̊ F (38°C) that does not go down with over-the-counter medications and lasts longer than 24 hours, chills, or body aches.

 

You can speak to a provider in Interventional Radiology:

• Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 212-263-5898.
• Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 212-263-5230 and ask the front desk to contact the Vascular Interventional Radiologist on call.

 

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you do not get better as expected.

 

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.