Life-threatening post-nephrolithotomy hemorrhage resulting in cessation of kidney function, treated by transcatheter arterial embolization with subsequent restoration of excretory function.

A massive post-nephrolithotomy renal hemorrhage was successfully controlled by selective arterial embolization using Gelfoam particles. Prior to embolization, the kidney showed no excretory function due to complete obstruction of its collecting system by blood clots. Long-term observation revealed restoration of excretory function of the treated kidney and only minimal loss of its parenchyma.