Diagnosis and management of retroperitoneal hematomas after femoral vein cannulation for hemodialysis.

Six patients were identified who suffered retroperitoneal hemorrhage during or after hemodialysis via a femoral vein approach. Hypotension developing during dialysis or lower quadrant abdominal pain was the common presenting symptom. All patients had decreasing hematocrits and five of the six patients required blood transfusions. The method of diagnosis was clinical, with plain abdominal x-ray examination and cystography being the most helpful adjuncts. All patients were successfully treated with volume resuscitation and removal of the femoral vein catheters; none required operative intervention or suffered adverse late effects. Femoral vein dialysis is useful for uremic patients without other peripheral vascular access options, and its associated morbidity may be minimized provided complications are recognized and promptly treated.