Hepatic Hilar Nerve Block Versus Sham in Pain Control During Liver Ablation and TACE Procedures

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients referred to the Interventional Radiology department and approved for a chemo-embolization or radiofrequency ablation of malignant primary or secondary liver tumour.
2. At least 18 y.o.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients in whom the vascular anatomy prevents safe access to the hepatic hilum or patients in whom general anaesthesia was performed.
2. Patients who have known allergy to any anaesthetic agent in the regular protocol (fentanyl, midazolam, ropivacaine).
3. Patients with signs of skin infection at the entry site of the needle used to perform the nerve block
4. Patients with signs of infection such as fever or acute increase in wight blood cell count.
5. Patients with uncorrectable abnormal coagulation status (INR \>1.5 and platelets \< 50000 without use of anticoagulation agents).
6. Patients with pre-existing conditions, which, in the opinion of the investigator, interfere with the conduct of the study (these reasons will be recorded)
7. Patients, who are uncooperative, cannot follow instructions, or who are unlikely to comply with follow-up appointments or fill-out the post-procedural pain questionnaires.
8. Patients with a mental state that may preclude completion of the study procedure or are unable to provide informed consent.