The authors report a case of a 60-year-old man with an unresectable adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder. After consideration of all possible complications, the patient was indicated for superselective chemoembolization of the cystic artery by administration of doxorubicine (50 mg) and Lipiodol (10 ml) suspension. The procedure was technically successful. During chemoembolization and follow-up serious complications due toembolization of the cystic artery were not recorded. After the first chemoembolization the patient showeda decrease in serum tumourmarkers and regression of tumour size on CT scans. Patients with unresectable adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder are not primarily indicated for chemoembolization, even accidental embolization to the cystic artery is a complication of the chemoembolization of unresectable malignant liver tumours. The authors would like to point out that chemoembolization of inoperable carcinoma of the gallbladder is possible and chemoembolization can be considered in selected patients as palliative treatment and it can possibly prolong survival.

        Key words: adenocarcinoma – gallbladder – palliative treatment – chemoembolization