H Toussi1, C McConnell, V Srinivasan. 1. Department of Urology, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, United Kingdom.
Abstract
PURPOSE: We demonstrate safety of renal artery embolization as an alternative to nephrectomy in symptomatic patients with obstructed, poorly functioning kidneys who are unfit for surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed renal artery embolization in 2 medically unfit patients with benign obstructive uropathy and poorly functioning kidneys. The affected kidney was initially drained with a nephrostomy tube and the kidney was then selectively embolized using absorbable gelatin sponge particles and Gianturco coils. The nephrostomy tube was removed before hospital discharge. RESULTS: Urine production by the affected kidney ceased and symptoms resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Renal artery embolization with antegrade drainage is a safe alternative to surgery in unfit symptomatic patients with benign obstructive uropathy and poorly functioning kidneys.
PURPOSE: We demonstrate safety of renal artery embolization as an alternative to nephrectomy in symptomatic patients with obstructed, poorly functioning kidneys who are unfit for surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed renal artery embolization in 2 medically unfit patients with benign obstructive uropathy and poorly functioning kidneys. The affected kidney was initially drained with a nephrostomy tube and the kidney was then selectively embolized using absorbable gelatin sponge particles and Gianturco coils. The nephrostomy tube was removed before hospital discharge. RESULTS: Urine production by the affected kidney ceased and symptoms resolved. CONCLUSIONS:Renal artery embolization with antegrade drainage is a safe alternative to surgery in unfit symptomatic patients with benign obstructive uropathy and poorly functioning kidneys.