OBJECTIVE The influence of lipiodol injection on hepatic morphology and function was investigated in 119 rabbits with hepatic VX2 tumors. METHODS The rabbits were divided into the following three groups, according to the materials injected via the proper hepatic artery: group 1 received doxorubicin (Adriamycin [ADM]); group 2 received lipiodol (LPD); and group 3 received LPD plus ADM. Groups 2 and 3 were each divided into three subgroups, according to the dose of LPD injected (0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mL). Non-tumorous regions in the tumor-bearing lobe and the tumor-free lobe were examined histologically; low-kilovolt x-ray studies and computed tomography (CT) also were performed in 84 rabbits. Liver function tests were performed in 35 rabbits. RESULTS Elevation of the serum aminotransferase levels was observed after the administration of LPD. Hepatocellular degeneration was marked in the tumor-free lobe, but was much more severe in the tumor-bearing lobe in groups 2 and 3. The degree of degeneration depended on the dose of LPD. Both low-kilovolt x-ray studies and CT showed the heavy accumulation of LPD in the tumor-bearing lobe. CONCLUSIONS The current study shows that the histologic and functional adverse effects of oily chemoembolization depend on the dose of LPD administered to the liver.