Gel Foam Renal Artery Embolization for Life-threatening Renal Haemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION Renal artery embolization (RAE) is an important treatment option for patients with acute renal haemorrhage. Many types of embolic agents are presently available. We describe here the use of gel foam embolization for the treatment of acute renal haemorrhage. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 12 patients (10 males and 2 females) underwent RAE. The indications in all cases were persistent renal haemorrhage which was secondary to renal biopsy (10 cases), blunt trauma to abdomen (1 case) and percutaneous nephrostomy (1 case). Embolic agent used was gel foam in all but one case. Embolization was done by selective catheterization of the feeding segmental / lobar renal artery branches. RESULTS Successful obliteration of the vascular malformation with no post-procedure complications were achieved in all cases. CONCLUSION RAE with gel foam is a relatively inexpensive, safe, effective and minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of life-threatening renal haemorrhage, preserving healthy renal parenchyma and renal function.