Transcatheter arterial occlusion in the management of rectosigmoidal bleeding.

Transcatheter arterial occlusion was performed in five patients with recurrent rectosigmoidal bleeding. Four had malignant neoplasms, and the fifth, an arteriovenous malformation. The superior hemorrhoidal artery was embolized in two patients, the inferior mesenteric artery in two, and the left internal iliac artery in one patient. In four patients, immediate and complete control of rectal bleeding was achieved, and gradual control was accomplished in the fifth patient. Left lower quadrant pain and fever developed in three patients. The possibility of rectosigmoidal bleeding from the internal iliac artery is stressed.