Transcatheter embolization for iatrogenic renal hemorrhage: a single center experience

Objective: To report our experience with transcatheter embolization (TCE) for iatrogenic renal hemorrhage at our institution.Materials and methods: A total of 18 patients underwent superselective embolization for iatrogenic renal hemorrhage from 2005 to 2010 at our hospital. Patient age, gender, Clavien classification, transfusion units, indications for TCE and embolic material were noted. The numbers of TCE and percutaneous nephrolithohomy (PNL) performed during the years of the study were recorded. The data are represented as the mean +/- standard deviation.Results: Of 18 patients (12 male, 6 female), the mean age was 39.3 +/- 12.0 years (range 18 to 65). The procedures leading to massive renal hemorrhage were renal biopsy (n=2), nephrostomy placement (n=1), partial nephrectomy (n=3) and PNL (n=12). In total, there was 3 performances of TCE in the first two years, 9 in the second two years and 6 in the remaining two years. Accordingly, the numbers of PNLs performed during these periods were 92, 208 and 143, respectively. The mean number of transfusion units prior to TCE was 2.9 +/- 2.2. The Clavien grade was IIIa for 17 patients and IVa for one patient. Technical success was achieved in 94.4% of the patients, whereas clinical success was achieved in 83.3%.Conclusion: TCE is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of iatrogenic renal hemorrhage. PNL is the most common procedure leading to the need for TCE because of its frequent performance at our institution.