The role of interventional radiology in the management of blunt renal injury: a practical protocol

The Role of Renal Artery Embolisation in the Management of Blunt Renal Injuries: A Review

Renal injuries are the most common urinary tract injury secondary to external abdominal trauma. They are caused by blunt, penetrating and iatrogenic mechanisms. Despite the high number of blunt renal injuries, little evidence is available to guide management, especially with the evolution of embolisation as a minimally invasive treatment. Consequently, clinical practice is driven by results of observational studies and anecdote. We have reviewed the current trends in practice when using renal artery embolisation in the management of blunt renal injuries. Three key principles are highlighted. First, high-grade blunt renal injuries can be successfully managed with embolisation. Second, embolisation should be considered when there is radiological evidence of active contrast extravasation, pseudoaneurysm or arteriovenous fistula. Third, embolisation can be used to manage blunt renal injuries in haemodynamically unstable patients. Beyond this, evidence regarding optimal technique, CT indications, clinical status, comorbidities and complications are inconclusive. We discuss the implications for clinical practice and how these findings should define the agenda for future clinical research.

Endovascular embolization in renal trauma: a narrative review

Approximately 1–3% of all trauma patients have a renal injury. Eighty percent of renal trauma is due to blunt injury, with the remainder due to penetrating trauma which is most often iatrogenic. Contrast enhanced computed tomography is used to triage patients and offers a quick and accurate assessment of any potential organ injury. If injury is present, The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grading system can both grade renal injuries and be used to help guide management and intervention. Grades are assigned based on imaging and clinical features of renal trauma, and have prognostic and treatment implications for patients. The objective of this narrative review is to identify optimal management of patients with renal trauma, specifically which patients can be treated with endovascular interventions following renal trauma, which can be observed, and which would be best managed surgically. For hemodynamically stable patients with renal trauma, endovascular angiography and embolization is a non-invasive approach that can be used to control bleeding and potentially avoid surgery or nephrectomy in select cases. Future research is needed to determine if a specific antibiotic regimen is needed prior to or following embolization. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of endovascular management of high-grade renal trauma (grade V). Complications of renal embolization include short-term hypertension, long term hypertension in cases of significant ischemia, acute kidney injury, and infection.

Interventional Radiology in Renal Trauma

Traumatic injuries to the kidney and collecting system can range widely from small lacerations to significant bleeding and its sequelae. Urinary obstruction can occur in the renal pelvis, ureters, or urethra. Interventional radiology plays a significant role in treatment and management, in many cases requiring emergent action. Endovascular embolization is frequently the first-line approach to treating hemorrhage. Percutaneous interventions for urinary obstruction include nephrostomy and suprapubic catheter placement. In this article, we outline the clinical approach and interventional methods used in the evaluation and treatment of renal trauma. Several case presentations demonstrate the role of interventional radiology in renal trauma.

The Current Role of Interventional Radiology in the Management of Acute Trauma Patient

Trauma is one of the most common causes of death, particularly in younger individuals. The development of specialized trauma centers, trauma-specific intensive care units, and trauma-focused medical subspecialties has led to the formation of comprehensive multidisciplinary teams and an ever-growing body of research and innovation. The field of interventional radiology provides a unique set of minimally invasive, endovascular techniques that has largely changed the way that many trauma patients are managed. This article discusses the role of interventional radiology in the care of this complex patient population, and in particular how the specialty fits into the overall team management of these patients.

Outcome of angioembolization for blunt renal trauma in haemodynamically unstable patients: 10-year analysis of Queensland public hospitals

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether angioembolization is an appropriate alternative method for the management of blunt renal trauma in haemodynamically unstable patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted from 2002 to 2012 at three tertiary trauma hospitals in the state of Queensland. Patients who had blunt renal trauma and underwent renal angioembolization or had a trauma nephrectomy were identified using patient records and operating theatre and interventional radiology databases. The inclusion criteria were - haemodynamically unstable patients with blunt renal trauma treated with angioembolization, above the age of 16 years. Patients who underwent angioembolization for other causes such as: penetrating renal trauma, post-procedure, renal tumours, renal angiomyolipomas or arteriovenous malformations were excluded. Patients below the age of 16 were also excluded. Post-embolization renal function, blood pressure, morbidity and mortality were analysed using the paired t² test.

RESULTS

A total of 668 renal trauma patients were identified during this period. Sixteen patients underwent angioembolization for blunt renal trauma. Post-procedure renal function normalized without any hypertension with the median follow up being 4 months. Four patients had post-embolization complications including a urinoma, two devascularized kidneys and one ureteric stricture requiring nephrectomy. There was no mortality.

CONCLUSION

Selective angioembolization, where feasible, is an alternative method in the management of haemodynamically stable patients with blunt renal trauma maximizing nephron sparing and producing acceptable long-term outcomes with avoidance of the morbidity of trauma nephrectomy. This is the first study that we know of in Australia analysing the outcome of angioembolization for blunt renal trauma.

Kidney and uro-trauma: WSES-AAST guidelines

Renal and urogenital injuries occur in approximately 10-20% of abdominal trauma in adults and children. Optimal management should take into consideration the anatomic injury, the hemodynamic status, and the associated injuries. The management of urogenital trauma aims to restore homeostasis and normal physiology especially in pediatric patients where non-operative management is considered the gold standard. As with all traumatic conditions, the management of urogenital trauma should be multidisciplinary including urologists, interventional radiologists, and trauma surgeons, as well as emergency and ICU physicians. The aim of this paper is to present the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) kidney and urogenital trauma management guidelines.

Advantages of early intervention with arterial embolization for intra-abdominal solid organ injuries in children

PURPOSE

Active bleeding due to abdominal trauma is an important cause of mortality in childhood. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the advantages of early percutaneous transcatheter arterial embolization (PTAE) procedures in children with intra-abdominal hemorrhage due to blunt trauma.

METHODS

Children with blunt abdominal trauma were retrospectively included. Two groups were identified for inclusion: patients with early embolization (EE group, n=10) and patients with late embolization (LE group, n=11). Both groups were investigated retrospectively and statistically analyzed with regard to lengths of stay in the intensive care unit and in the hospital, first enteral feeding after trauma, blood transfusion requirements, and cost.

RESULTS

The duration of stay in the intensive care unit was greater in the LE group than in the EE group (4 days vs. 2 days, respectively). The duration of hospital stay was greater in the LE group than in the EE group (14 days vs. 6 days, respectively). Blood transfusion requirements (15 cc/kg of RBC packs) were greater in the LE group than in the EE group (3 vs. 1, respectively). The total hospital cost was higher in the LE group than in the EE group (4502 USD vs. 1371.5 USD, respectively). The time before starting enteral feeding after first admission was higher in the LE group than in the EE group (4 days vs. 1 day, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Early embolization with PTAE results in shorter intensive care and hospitalization stays, earlier enteral feeding, and lower hospital costs for pediatric patients with intra-abdominal hemorrhage due to blunt trauma.

Contemporary Strategies in the Management of Civilian Abdominal Vascular Trauma

The evaluation and management of patients with abdominal vascular trauma or injury requires immediate and effective decision-making in these unfavorable circumstances. The majority of these patients arrive at trauma centers in profound shock, secondary to massive blood loss, which is often unrelenting. Moreover, ischemia, compartment syndrome, thrombosis, and embolization may also be life threatening and require immediate intervention. To minimize the risk of these potentially lethal complications, early understanding of the disease process and emergent therapeutic intervention are necessary. In the literature, the management of acute traumatic vascular injuries is restricted to traditional open surgical techniques. However, in penetrating injuries surgeons often face a potentially contaminated field, which renders the placement of prosthetic grafts inappropriate. Currently, however, there are sparse data on the management of vascular trauma with endovascular techniques. The role of endovascular technique in penetrating abdominal vascular trauma, which is almost always associated with severe active bleeding, is limited. It is worth mentioning that hybrid operating rooms with angiographic radiology capabilities offer more opportunities for the management of this kind of injuries by either temporary control of the devastating bleeding using endovascular balloon tamponade or with embolization and stenting. On the other hand, blunt abdominal injuries are less dangerous and they could be treated at most times by endovascular means. Since surgeons continue to encounter abdominal vascular trauma, open and endovascular techniques will evolve constantly giving us encouraging messages for the near future.

Operative and nonoperative management for renal trauma: comparison of outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Preservation of kidney and renal function is the goal of nonoperative management (NOM) of renal trauma (RT). The advantages of NOM for minor blunt RT have already been clearly described, but its value for major blunt and penetrating RT is still under debate. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis on NOM for RT, which was compared with the operative management (OM) with respect to mortality, morbidity, and length of hospital stay (LOS).

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement was followed for this study. A systematic search was performed on Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and PubMed for studies published up to December 2015, without language restrictions, which compared NOM versus OM for renal injuries.

Results

Twenty nonrandomized retrospective cohort studies comprising 13,824 patients with blunt (2,998) or penetrating (10,826) RT were identified. When all RT were considered (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grades 1–5), NOM was associated with lower mortality and morbidity rates compared to OM (8.3% vs 17.1%, odds ratio [OR] 0.471; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.404–0.548; P<0.001 and 2% vs 53.3%, OR 0.0484; 95% CI 0.0279–0.0839, P<0.001). Likewise, NOM represented the gold standard treatment resulting in a lower mortality rate compared to OM even when only high-grade RT was considered (9.1% vs 17.9%, OR 0.332; 95% CI 0.155–0.708; P=0.004), be they blunt (4.1% vs 8.1%, OR 0.275; 95% CI 0.0957–0.788; P=0.016) or penetrating (9.1% vs 18.1%, OR 0.468; 95% CI 0.398–0.0552; P<0.001).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that NOM for RT is the treatment of choice not only for AAST grades 1 and 2, but also for higher grade blunt and penetrating RT.

Endovascular management of arterial injuries after blunt or iatrogenic renal trauma

The kidney is the third most common abdominal organ to be injured in trauma, following the spleen and liver, respectively. The most commonly used classification scheme is the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) classification of blunt renal injuries, which grades renal injury according to the size of laceration and its proximity to the renal hilum. Arteriovenous fistula and pseudoaneurysm are the most common iatrogenic biopsy-related or surgery-related vascular injuries in native kidneys. The approach to renal artery injuries has changed over time from more aggressive intervention to more conservative observational or endovascular management, including selective transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and the placement of stents/stent grafts. In this article, we describe the role and technical aspects of endovascular interventions in the management of arterial injuries after blunt or iatrogenic renal trauma.

Trends in nonoperative management of traumatic injuries - A synopsis

Nonoperative management of both blunt and penetrating injuries can be challenging. During the past three decades, there has been a major shift from operative to increasingly nonoperative management of traumatic injuries. Greater reliance on nonoperative, or "conservative" management of abdominal solid organ injuries is facilitated by the various sophisticated and highly accurate noninvasive imaging modalities at the trauma surgeon's disposal. This review discusses selected topics in nonoperative management of both blunt and penetrating trauma. Potential complications and pitfalls of nonoperative management are discussed. Adjunctive interventional therapies used in treatment of nonoperative management-related complications are also discussed.

REPUBLISHED WITH PERMISSION FROM

Stawicki SPA. Trends in nonoperative management of traumatic injuries - A synopsis. OPUS 12 Scientist 2007;1(1):19-35.

The European guideline on management of major bleeding and coagulopathy following trauma: fourth edition

BACKGROUND

Severe trauma continues to represent a global public health issue and mortality and morbidity in trauma patients remains substantial. A number of initiatives have aimed to provide guidance on the management of trauma patients. This document focuses on the management of major bleeding and coagulopathy following trauma and encourages adaptation of the guiding principles to each local situation and implementation within each institution.

METHODS

The pan-European, multidisciplinary Task Force for Advanced Bleeding Care in Trauma was founded in 2004 and included representatives of six relevant European professional societies. The group used a structured, evidence-based consensus approach to address scientific queries that served as the basis for each recommendation and supporting rationale. Expert opinion and current clinical practice were also considered, particularly in areas in which randomised clinical trials have not or cannot be performed. Existing recommendations were reconsidered and revised based on new scientific evidence and observed shifts in clinical practice; new recommendations were formulated to reflect current clinical concerns and areas in which new research data have been generated. This guideline represents the fourth edition of a document first published in 2007 and updated in 2010 and 2013.

RESULTS

The guideline now recommends that patients be transferred directly to an appropriate trauma treatment centre and encourages use of a restricted volume replacement strategy during initial resuscitation. Best-practice use of blood products during further resuscitation continues to evolve and should be guided by a goal-directed strategy. The identification and management of patients pre-treated with anticoagulant agents continues to pose a real challenge, despite accumulating experience and awareness. The present guideline should be viewed as an educational aid to improve and standardise the care of the bleeding trauma patients across Europe and beyond. This document may also serve as a basis for local implementation. Furthermore, local quality and safety management systems need to be established to specifically assess key measures of bleeding control and outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

A multidisciplinary approach and adherence to evidence-based guidance are key to improving patient outcomes. The implementation of locally adapted treatment algorithms should strive to achieve measureable improvements in patient outcome.

Traumatically shattered kidney without urine extravasation or vascular amputation

The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) injury scoring scale is commonly used for genitourinary injuries. Normally, grade 4-5 lacerations of the kidney show involvement of the pelvicalyceal system (PCS) with urine extravasation (UE). We present a case of a 41-year-old woman who was hospitalised with macrohaematuria and retroperitoneal haematoma after severe blunt acceleration flank trauma. CT scan showed an extended laceration of the left kidney with separation of upper pole. This is the first case of an extended kidney laceration without UE due to rupture within the dichotomous PCS, which healed up after selective embolisation. If possible, severe renal bleeding should be treated with selective embolisation as an alternative to surgery. Any suspected involvement of the PCS should undergo retrograde ureteropyelography and urinary diversion.

Utilization of angiography and embolization for abdominopelvic trauma: 14 years' experience at a level I trauma center

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to evaluate the long-term trends in the use of angiography and embolization for abdominopelvic injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Utilization rates for pelvic and abdominal angiography, arterial embolization, and CT were analyzed for trauma patients with pelvic fractures and liver and kidney injuries admitted to a level 1 trauma center from 1996 to 2010. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate trends in the use of angioembolization.

RESULTS

A total of 9145 patients were admitted for abdominopelvic injuries during the study period. Pelvic angiography decreased annually by 5.0% (95% CI, -6.4% to -3.7%) from 1996 to 2002 and by 1.8% (-2.4% to -1.2%) from 2003 to 2010. Embolization rates for these patients varied from 49% in 1997 to 100% in 2010. Utilization of pelvic CT on the day of admission increased significantly during this period. Abdominal angiography for liver and kidney injuries decreased annually by 3.3% (95% CI, -4.8% to -1.8%) and 2.0% (-4.3% to 0.3%) between 1996 and 2002 and by 0.8% (95% CI, -1.4% to -0.1%) and 0.9% (-2.0% to 0.1%) from 2003 to 2010, respectively. Embolization rates ranged from 25% in 1999 to 100% in 2010 for liver injuries and from 0% in 1997 to 80% in 2002 for kidney injuries. Abdominal CT for liver and kidney injuries on the day of admission also increased.

CONCLUSION

A significant decrease in angiography use for trauma patients with pelvic fractures, liver injuries, and kidney injuries from 1996 to 2010 and a trend toward increasing embolization rates among patients who underwent angiography were found. These findings reflect a declining role of angiography for diagnostic purposes and emphasize the importance of angiography as a means to embolization for management.

Effect of renal angioembolization on post-traumatic acute kidney injury after high-grade renal trauma: a comparative study of 52 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with unfavourable outcomes and higher mortality after trauma. Renal angioembolization (RAE) has proved efficiency in the management of high-grade renal trauma (HGRT), but inevitably expose to unavoidable ischaemic areas or contrast medium nephrotoxicity which may impair renal function in the following hours. The aim of this study was to assess the potential acute impact of RAE on renal function in a consecutive series of HGRTs treated nonoperatively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 101 cases of renal trauma admitted to our Regional Trauma Center between January 2005 and January 2010, 52 cases of HGRT were treated nonoperatively; they were retrospectively classified into 2 groups according to whether RAE was used. Incidence and progression of AKI (RIFLE classification), maximum increase in serum creatinine (SCr), level since admission and recovery of renal function at discharge were compared between the groups. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine the role of RAE as an independent risk factor of AKI.

RESULTS

RAE was performed in 10 patients within the first 48h. The RAE and no RAE groups were comparable in terms of severity score, renal injury grade, and level of SCr on admission. AKI incidence (RIFLE score Risk or worse) after 48 and 96h was 33% and 10%, respectively and did not differ significantly between groups at 48h (p=1.00) or 96h (p=1.00). The median maximum increase in SCr was significantly higher in no RAE than RAE group (30.4% vs. 6.9%, p=0.04). RAE was not found to be a significant variable in a multiple linear regression analysis predicting maximum SCr rise (p=0.34). SCr at discharge was >120% of baseline in only 5 patients, with no difference according to RAE (p=0.24).

CONCLUSION

In a population of nonoperatively treated HGRT, the incidence of AKI decreased from almost 30% to 10% at 48h and 96h. RAE proceeding did not seem to affect significantly the occurrence and course of AKI or renal recovery. The decision to use RAE should probably not be restricted by fear of worsening renal function.

[Role of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for deep renal injury]

PURPOSE

We evaluated usefulness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for deep renal injury, and investigated whether there is any difference in outcomes for transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) performed for deep renal injury in a large-sized hospital (university hospital) in comparison with a middle-sized hospital (local hospital).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 42 patients with renal injury who were transported to the critical care center of Nippon Medical School (NMS) Hospital in Tokyo from April 2001 to April 2011 and 33 patients of renal injury transported to the critical care center of Ohtawara Red Cross (ORC) Hospital in Tochigi prefecture from April 2001 to April 2009. Therefore, a total of 75 patients, which is the sum of the patients presenting to both the hospitals for renal injury were reevaluated according to the guidelines developed by the Japanese Association for the Surgery of Trauma (JAST) and published in 2008.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients in NMS hospital included 6 women and 36 men who were 16 to 88 years old (mean 41.6), and they were divided into Type I (16), Type II (11), and Type III (15) and were treated with bedrest (30), TAE (7), or laparotomy (5). Five patients died, but no one succumbed solely due to the renal injury. On the other hand, 33 Patients in ORC Hospital included 8 women and 25 men who were 16 to 87 years old (mean 46.6). They were divided into Type I (9). Type II (12), and Type III (12) and were treated with bedrest (24) or TAE (9). Eight patients died, but no one succumbed solely due to the renal injury. Sixteen patients were treated successfully with TAE in the 2 hospitals, and 15 of these 16 patients were divided into type III renal injury. Therefore, we believe that nephrectomy should be avoided in such patients because of the benefits offered by TAE.

CONCLUSION

TAE was found to be useful for the treatment of type III renal injury in both institutions, irrespective of the size of a hospital.

Selective angioembolization for traumatic renal injuries: a survey on clinician practice

PURPOSE

A variety of clinical and imaging findings are used by clinicians to determine utility of renal angioembolization (AE) in managing renal trauma. Our purpose was to investigate specific criteria that clinicians who manage high-grade renal trauma (HGRT) utilize in decision-making for primary or delayed AE.

METHODS

A total of 413 urologists and interventional radiologists (IRs) who practice at level 1 or 2 trauma centers within the United States were provided an original survey via email on experience and opinions regarding the utility of AE for HGRT. We described overall practice patterns and assessed differences by clinician type, using the Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

A total of 79 (20 %) clinicians completed the survey. All clinicians had AE capability for HGRT management. A higher proportion of IRs reported using AE for grade I-II (33 vs. 3 %, p = 0.002), grade III (65 vs. 26 %, p = 0.001), and penetrating injuries (83 vs. 58 %, p = 0.02). A greater proportion of urologists reported using AE for grade V injuries (81 vs. 56 %, p = 0.03). Clinicians most commonly cited computed tomography evidence of active arterial bleeding (97 %), or arteriovenous fistula/pseudoaneurysm (94 %) as indications for primary AE, and 62 % identified concurrent visceral injury as factor that would necessitate surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

In a survey of clinicians, we report that IRs and urologists utilize AE differently when managing HGRT, as a higher proportion of IRs use AE to manage lower grade as well as penetrating injuries. Validation studies are needed to establish algorithms to identify patients with HGRT who would benefit from selective renal AE.

Spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage in end-stage renal disease treated with selective embolization

Spontaneous nontraumatic rupture of the kidney (Wunderlich syndrome) is an extremely uncommon condition on hemodialysis. We report a case of 44-year-old hemodialysis patient presented with hemorrhagic shock and a right quadrant abdominal pain to the emergency department. There was no history of trauma. A kidney rupture was revealed by abdominal computed tomography, and active bleeding was successfully managed with arterial embolization. This case illustrates the safe and successful application of interventional radiology in the management of nontraumatic renal hemorrhage in the specific group of hemodialyzed patients even in the emergency setting.

Gelatin-thrombin hemostatic matrix injection to salvage refractory post-renal graft biopsy bleed

Post-renal biopsy bleeding refractory to angioembolization usually requires graft nephrectomy as a life-saving measure. Gelatin-thrombin hemostatic matrix injection in the needle tract is a novel attempt to control bleeding in such cases and to salvage the allograft. We hereby describe two cases of post-graft biopsy bleed. Both these patients continued to bleed even after angioembolization. They were shifted to the operating room upon developing hypotension, having received multiple blood transfusions with the intention of performing graft nephrectomy to save their lives. However, bleeding was successfully controlled by using Gelatin-thrombin hemostatic matrix injection in the biopsy needle tract. Patients improved hemodynamically after the procedure. Graft function returned to normal in both the cases. At an average follow-up of 10.4 months, both the patients have shown stable graft functions.

The role of interventional radiology in urologic tract trauma

The kidney is the third most common abdominal organ to be injured in trauma, following the spleen and liver, respectively. Several classification systems convey the severity of injury to kidneys, ureter, bladder, and urethra. The most commonly used classification scheme is the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) classification of blunt renal injuries, which grades renal injury according the size of laceration and its proximity to the renal hilum. Ureteral injury is graded according to its extent relative to the circumference of the ureter and the extent of associated devascularization. Bladder injury is graded according to its location relative to the peritoneum. Urethral injury is graded according to the extent of damage to surrounding anatomic structures. Although these classification schema may not be always used in common parlance, they do help delineate most important features of urologic tract injury that impact patient management and interventions.

Tomographic findings are not always predictive of failed nonoperative management in blunt hepatic injury

BACKGROUND

Nonoperative management (NOM) has become the standard treatment of blunt hepatic injury (BHI) for stable patients. Contrast extravasation (CE) on computed tomography (CT) scan had been reported as a sign that is associated with NOM failure. The goal of this study was to further investigate the risk factors of NOM failure in patients with CE on CT scan.

METHODS

From January 2005 to September 2009, patients with CE noted on a CT scan as a result of BHI were studied retrospectively. Physiological parameters, severity of injury, amount of transfusion, type of contrast extravasation, as well as treatment outcome were compared between patients with NOM failure and NOM success.

RESULTS

A total of 130 patients were enrolled. Injury severity scores, amount of blood transfusion before hemostatic procedure, and grade of liver injury were significantly higher in NOM failure than in NOM success patients. There was no statistical difference in the NOM success rate between patients with contrast leakage into the peritoneum and those with contrast confined in the hepatic parenchyma.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher injury severity score, more blood transfusion, and higher grade of liver injury are factors that correlate with NOM failure in patients with BHI. Contrast leakage into the peritoneum is not always a definite sign of NOM failure in BHI. Early and aggressive angioembolization is an effective adjunct of NOM in BHI patients, even with contrast leakage into peritoneum.

The role of interventional radiology in trauma

Since the development of angiography and transcatheter techniques, interventional radiology has played an important role in the management of trauma patients. The ability to treat life-threatening hemorrhage with transcatheter embolization has spared countless patients the morbidity of surgery. Advances in cross-sectional imaging and increases in understanding of which patients will best benefit from embolization promise to further refine the interventional radiologist's role. As the applications of transcatheter therapy broaden to include embolization of unstable patients with solid organ injuries and endovascular repair of major arterial injuries, the interventional radiologist must be increasingly prepared to provide prompt, efficient, and high-quality service.

Visceral arteriography in trauma

The nonoperative management including endovascular treatment of traumatic injuries to most abdominal solid viscera is increasingly gaining acceptance as treatment of choice in a select group of patients. The indications, techniques, and principles of endovascular management of hepatic, splenic, and renal injuries are discussed in this review.

Angiointervention: high rates of failure following blunt renal injuries

BACKGROUND

Nonoperative management (NOM) of solid organ injury after blunt trauma is now standard. Recently, angioembolization (AE) has been used to extend NOM. Few data exist on evaluating NOM of blunt renal injuries (BRIs). We sought to determine the overall efficacy of NOM as well as the outcome of AE in patients with BRI.

METHODS

The trauma registry was used to identify all patients with BRI between January 2002 and December 2008. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, grade of injury, use of angiographic intervention, and outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 434 patients with BRI were identified, 416 of whom had planned NOM; 337 (81%) patients were successfully managed without further intervention for their BRI. In all, 79 (19%) patients underwent angiography; 22 (27.8%) of these patients underwent AE, and 6 (27.2%) failed 1.2 ± 0.8 days after AE. Patients who failed AE had a significantly higher blood transfusion requirement during the first 24 h of admission (p = 0.01). Seven patients not embolized failed 1.9 ± 1.9 days after angiography. Thus, of the 79 patients having angiography, 13 (16.5%) failed and required laparotomy to treat their BRIs. Overall failure rate of NOM was 3.1% (13/416). Patients who failed angiography, with or without AE, required more blood during the first 24 h after admission (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

NOM of BRI is safe and effective, with an overall failure rate of 3.1%. However, angiography with or without AE has substantial failure rates. Patients with higher-grade injuries and active vascular extravasation on admission computed tomography scan also fail NOM regardless of therapy. The blood transfusion requirement during the first 24 h may indicate who will require operative intervention following angiography. Close observation and/or early laparotomy are wise for these high-risk patients.

Arterial embolization in patients with grade-4 blunt renal trauma: evaluation of the glomerular filtration rates by dynamic scintigraphy with 99mTechnetium-diethylene triamine pentacetic acid

Background

High-grade blunt renal trauma has been treated by arterial embolization (AE). However, it is unknown whether AE preserves renal function, because conventional renal function tests reflect total renal function and not the function of the injured kidney alone. Dynamic scintigraphy can assess differential renal function.

Methods

We performed AE in 17 patients with grade-4 blunt renal trauma and determined their serum creatinine (sCr) level and glomerular filtration rate (GFR; estimated by dynamic scintigraphy) after 3 months. In 4 patients with low GFR of the injured kidney (<20 ml·min^-1·1.73 m^-2), the GFR and sCr were measured again at 6 months. Data are presented as median and interquartile range (25th, 75th percentile).

Results

The median GFR of the injured kidney, total GFR, and median sCr at 3 months were 29.3 (23.7, 35.3) and 96.8 (79.1, 102.6) ml·min^-1·1.73 m^-2 and 0.6 (0.5, 0.7) mg/dl, respectively. In the patients with low GFR (ml·min^-1·1.73 m^-2), the median GFR of the injured kidney, total GFR, and median sCr (mg/dl) were 16.2 (15.7, 16.3), 68.7 (61.1, 71.6), and 0.7 (0.7, 0.9), respectively, at 3 months and 34.5 (29.2, 37.0), 90.9 (79.1, 98.8), and 0.7 (0.7, 0.8), respectively, at 6 months.

Conclusions

The function of the injured kidney was preserved in all patients, indicating the efficacy of AE for the treatment of grade-4 blunt renal trauma.

Evaluation of need for angioembolization in blunt renal injury: discontinuity of Gerota's fascia has an increased probability of requiring angioembolization

BACKGROUND

Angioembolization is an effective adjunct in the management of high-grade renal injuries not surgically treated. However, in some cases, the bleeding may stop spontaneously, without the need for embolization. The aim of this study was to define the characteristics of patients who need angioembolization for high-grade blunt renal injuries (BRIs).

METHODS

Patients with BRIs between January 2004 and May 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with contrast extravasation on computed tomographic scans who then underwent angiography were enrolled. Demographics, injury severity scores, abbreviated injury scale scores, amounts of blood transfused, and need for angioembolization were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were enrolled. Patients with discontinuity of Gerota's fascia and pararenal hematoma expansion in BRIs required angioembolization at a higher rate. Furthermore, these patients displayed higher injury severity scores and abbreviated injury scale scores. Five patients experienced complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with BRIs, discontinuity of Gerota's fascia and pararenal hematoma expansion seemed to be associated with the need for angioembolization. Early angioembolization should be considered in patients with severe associated trauma with BRIs.

Evaluation and management of acute vascular trauma

With the technical advances and the increasing availability of sophisticated imaging equipment, techniques, and protocols, and with continually evolving transcatheter endovascular therapies, minimally invasive imaging and treatment options are being routinely used for the clinical management of trauma patients. Thus, the primary treatment algorithm for managing acute vascular trauma now increasingly involves the interventional radiologist or other endovascular specialist. Endovascular techniques represent an attractive option for both stabilizing and definitively treating patients who have sustained significant trauma, with resultant vascular injury. Endovascular treatment frequently offers the benefit of a focused definitive therapy, even in the presence of massive hemorrhage that allows for preservation of major vessels or injured solid organs and serves as an alternative to an open surgical intervention. This article presents an overview of various endovascular techniques that can be used for trauma patients presenting with vascular injuries.

A 10-year review of blunt renal artery injuries at an urban level I trauma centre

INTRODUCTION

Little consensus exists over the management of high-grade renal injuries, with continued debate over observation versus invasive surgery. Blunt renal artery injury (BRAI) is a high-grade injury that may result in renal dysfunction, hypertension, or failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Management of BRAI at a level I trauma centre during a decade was retrospectively reviewed to determine incidence, assess management strategy, and evaluate hospital outcomes. Data collected included demographics, injury details, standardised scoring, renal injury grade, haemodynamic stability, diagnostic modalities, medical interventions, mortality, and hospitalisation length.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight BRAI patients (21 Grade IV and 17 Grade V injuries) were admitted, representing 0.16% of trauma admissions, and consisting primarily of young males. Ultrasonography and CT was performed in 92.1% and 76.3% of patients, respectively. Primary management included exploratory laparotomy in 42.9%, angiography and embolisation in 34.3%, and observation in 22.9%. Six nephrectomies and one revascularisation were performed. The incidence of BRAI and use of angiography are higher than those reported in previous studies.

CONCLUSION

Over the past decade, increased use of CT as a diagnostic tool for confirming renal injury in haemodynamically stable patients at our institution may have contributed to the increase in BRAI detection. Higher utilisation of angiography has enabled a more conservative approach. In this series, angiography had a success rate of 94.4%. Angiography and embolisation or observation with careful monitoring are viable management options in haemodynamically stable patients with isolated BRAI.

[Renal stab wounds: about 20 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the indication for operative and nonoperative management of renal stab wounds in patients hospitalised over the last six years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospectively studied of 20 cases over the last six years with penetrating kidney trauma, managed in two urologic departments of Marrakech and Casablanca. We studied the signs on admission (haematuria, blood pressure, haemoglobin and serum creatinine), associated lesions, treatment and complications. The imaging procedures comprised abdomen ultrasonography and abdomen computed tomography scan (CT).

RESULTS

The mean age was 25-year-old (range: 14-50 years), macroscopic hematuria was present in 95%. The weapon introduction site was the left lumbar fossa in 15 cases, the right lumbar fossa in four cases and the left flank in one case. Six patients (30%) presented with haemodynamic instability. Anaemia (<10g/dl) was found in 14 cases (70%) and blood transfusion was necessary in eight cases (40%). According to the American Association of Trauma Surgery (AATS) classification of kidney trauma, our patients were classified as follows: Grade I (two cases), Grade II (four cases), Grade III (six cases), Grade IV (five cases) and Grade V (three cases). The conservative management was adopted for 15 patients (75%), and two patients had a double pigtel ureteric stent for an important leakage of the contrast product. A CT scan was systematically performed ten days after the trauma and the kidney traumas lesions were often stabilized. Nephrectomy was performed for 5 patients (25%) grade IV (two cases) and grade V (three cases). The patients were discharged after a mean period of 12 days (six to 33 days).

CONCLUSION

The development of interventional radiology, endourological drainage techniques and medical intensive care helps to limit the complications and to manage conservatively with a correct resuscitation for selected patient. A grade V is a surgical indication.

Renal trauma

Urinary tract injury occurs in 10% of all abdominal trauma patients, and the kidney is the most commonly injured organ in the urinary tract. CT with contrast enhancement is the modality of choice for cross-sectional imaging of renal trauma because it quickly and accurately can demonstrate injury to the renal parenchyma, renal pedicles, and associated abdominal or retroperitoneal organs. This article reviews the mechanism, clinical features, imaging modalities, and CT imaging findings according to the classification of the renal trauma. Trauma to underlying abnormal kidneys, iatrogenic renal injuries, and complications of renal trauma are reviewed also.

Évaluation et traitement des plaies pénétrantes du rein

Penetrating lesions of the kidney are less frequent than closed wounds. However, their incidence has increased these past decades, in relation with the augmentation of urban violence. The main causes of penetrating wounds are knives and firearms, with a related rate of renal lesions more important in the second case. The treatment of renal traumas has evolved these past years. Previously, surgical investigations were systematically indicated in most cases, which was associated with an elevated number of nephrectomies. Today, the development of new diagnostic imaging techniques available in most emergency units allows in certain cases the replacement of therapy by a strict follow-up of the patient, the objective being to preserve the kidney. The principal diagnostic investigation is CT scanning with injection of a contrast product, which is useful to adequately classify renal lesions and to make decision regarding the best first-line therapeutic management. In case of penetrating lesion, the first step is the evaluation of the haemodynamic condition of the patient. In case of haemodynamic instability, immediate surgical investigation is necessary. Conversely, if the patient is stable, CT with delayed imaging must be carried out. For grade I and II renal lesions, therapeutic abstention is recommended. Grade III and IV lesions associated with other intraperitoneal lesions that require emergency laparotomy must be surgically investigated and in these cases, reconstructive surgery or nephrectomy must be considered. Most grade IV lesions associated with a lesion of the renal hilus and grade V lesions must be referred to surgery. Minor renal lesions may not be treated; such cases necessitate a follow-up of the patient that should include successive assessments of the haemoglobin and the haematocrite, together with CT and ultrasonographic investigations aimed at the follow-up of lesion evolution and detection of potential urinomas or prolonged bleedings. The progressive decrease of the haematocrite and arteriovenous fistulae must be treated first by an embolization. Untreated patients with persistent urinary fistulae will undergo, if necessary, ureteral catheterization and percutaneous drainage of the urinoma.

Renal allograft laceration treated by superselective embolization

PURPOSE

To report an illustrative case demonstrating the efficacy of endovascular treatment for traumatic blunt renal allograft injury.

CASE REPORT

A 19-year-old man sustained an injury to his renal allograft after a traffic accident secondary to lap belt compression. Angiography revealed contrast extravasation from 2 disrupted upper pole renal artery branches, which were successfully embolized with microcoils. The creatinine level was transiently elevated to 4.1 mg/dL, but it improved to 2.9 mg/dL at discharge 13 days after admission. After 1 year, the serum creatinine level was 1.9 mg/dL.

CONCLUSION

As in the native kidney, superselective embolization can also be used safely in the management of blunt injury to a renal allograft, avoiding surgery and preserving graft function.

[Urinary tract injuries in polytraumatized patients]

BACKGROUND

Within the S3 Guideline Project of the European Association of Urology (EAU) an expert committee was set up to develop guidelines for the appropriate management of genitourinary trauma. These European guidelines were accepted in principle as national guidelines by the German Urological Society. Therefore, they also became the basis of the contribution of the German Urological Society to the S3 Guideline Project "Polytrauma" of the German Society for Trauma Surgery.

METHOD

For the guideline "management of genitourinary trauma" all the requirements for classification as S3 guidelines were full-filled. The guideline itself was developed in accordance with the principles of "evidence-based medicine". A systematic analysis of literature published between 1966 and 2004 was carried out. The articles retrieved were assessed in respect of study design and clinical relevance and classified following the scheme of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine in Oxford.

CONCLUSION

In suspected renal injuries the hemodynamic situation of the patient is the benchmark for the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm. The diagnostic gold standard for the assessment of haemodynamically stable patients is CT scanning. Uncontrolled haemodynamic instability is an indication for immediate explorative laparotomy. Partial ureteral tears are managed by stenting; complete tears by immediate surgical repair. Pelvic fractures are often associated with bladder ruptures. Extraperitoneal bladder ruptures, identified by retrograde cystography, are in most cases safely managed by simple catheter drainage. Intraperitoneal ruptures require surgical intervention. Blood at the meatus may suggest a urethral lesion-blind urethral catheterization should not be attempted. Suprapubic cystostomy and delayed urethroplasty are recommended.

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to blunt trauma treated with microcoil embolization

BACKGROUND

Renal artery pseudoaneurysms are rarely described sequelae of blunt abdominal trauma. Interventional radiological advances have allowed such lesions to be managed nonoperatively.

METHODS

The authors review the presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and hospital course of an 11-year-old girl who developed a right renal artery pseudoaneurysm 14 days after blunt abdominal trauma.

RESULTS

An 11-year-old girl fell off a horse onto her right flank. She sustained multiple right hepatic lobe lacerations and a complex fracture of the upper pole of the right kidney. Her initial hospital course was uncomplicated, and she was discharged after an uneventful 6-day course. The child did well for 2 weeks, until she developed right back pain and gross hematuria. A computed tomography scan revealed a right renal artery pseudoaneurysm. Angiography confirmed the presence of a pseudoaneurysm, which was fed by a single segmental branch originating from the renal artery. The artery was successfully occluded with a single platinum microcoil, which was demonstrated by the absence of contrast flow into the pseudoaneurysm. The patient recovered and was discharged shortly after the procedure. She initially had intermittent pain and hematuria, which resolved. Follow-up computed tomography scans have shown resolution of both the renal and hepatic lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal artery pseudoaneurysms that arise after blunt abdominal trauma in the pediatric population may be safely and effectively managed with arterial embolization, thereby avoiding extensive surgical interventions.

Ultrasound detection of blunt urological trauma: a 6-year study

The objective of this study was to assess the utility of emergency ultrasonography in the detection of blunt urological injury. A retrospective review was conducted of all consecutive emergency blunt trauma ultrasonograms (US) obtained at a level I trauma centre from January 1995 to January 2001. Among the 4320 emergency ultrasonograms performed, 596 patients (14%) had intraabdominal injury and, of these, 99 patients (17%) had urological injuries. The sensitivity of ultrasound for all urological injuries was 67%, and specificity was 99.8%. For isolated urological injuries, sensitivity and specificity were 55.6 and 99.8%, respectively. Ultrasound was most accurate in the detection of grade III renal injuries, identifying 14/15 (93%), and 13 underwent laparotomy. For isolated urological injuries, 15 of 25 (60%) patients with a true-positive US underwent laparotomy compared to 3 of 20 (15%) with a false-negative US. Isolated urological injury was significantly associated with an ultrasonographic pattern of free fluid in the left upper quadrant and the left pericolic gutter (odds ratio=55.1; P<0.001), followed by isolated fluid in the left pericolic gutter (odds ratio=8.6; P=0.04). Although emergency ultrasonography is useful in the triage of patients with blunt urological trauma, it may miss significant urological injury requiring further intervention. As most renal injuries may be managed non-operatively, further studies such as contrast-enhanced CT or angiography should be obtained in the stable patient with suspected blunt urological injury.

Blunt splenic injury: usefulness of transcatheter arterial embolization in patients with a transient response to fluid resuscitation

PURPOSE

To evaluate the use of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in hemodynamically unstable patients with blunt splenic injury in whom there is a transient response to initial fluid resuscitation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human subject committee approval and informed consent were obtained. Angiography was performed in patients with contrast material extravasation and/or splenic injury of grade III or higher (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma criteria) at computed tomography (CT). TAE was performed when angiograms showed disruption of terminal splenic branches or arterial extravasation. Among 104 patients with splenic injury, the 15 patients (10 male, five female; mean age, 36.2 years) with a transient response to fluid resuscitation were the subjects of this study. A post hoc analysis was performed for CT grades, angiographic findings, associated injuries, and hemodynamic status in the subjects.

RESULTS

Among 15 patients with a transient response, two had grade III, 11 had grade IV, and two had grade V injuries at CT. Six patients had associated injuries that required TAE. TAE of the spleen and associated injuries was successfully performed in all patients. The mean systolic blood pressure and shock index at the start of TAE were 84.2 mm Hg +/- 9.2 (standard deviation) and 1.46 +/- 0.30, respectively, and those at the completion of TAE were 132.1 mm Hg +/- 18.7 and 0.77 +/- 0.21, respectively (P < .001). The fluid infusion rate within 24 hours after the completion of TAE (132.1 mL/h +/- 71.1) was lower than that from the completion of the initial fluid resuscitation until the completion of TAE (1230.6 mL/h +/- 264.8) (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

TAE for blunt splenic injury can be performed successfully even in hemodynamically unstable patients with a transient response to initial fluid resuscitation.

The Usefulness of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Patients With Blunt Polytrauma Showing Transient Response to Fluid Resuscitation

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine whether nonsurgical management using transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is safe for patients with blunt multiple trauma who transiently respond to the initial fluid resuscitation.

METHODS

Contrast computed tomography was performed for patients with blunt abdominal injuries, excluding those who did not respond to initial fluid resuscitation. Angiography was performed for patients with injuries showing contrast extravasation or solid organ injury classified, according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, as grade 3 or higher on computed tomography. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed when angiography showed arterial extravasation. The protocol was abandoned for any patients who became profoundly hypotensive (with systolic blood pressure 60 mm Hg or lower) during computed tomography or angiography.

RESULTS

Between January 2000 and December 2002, 269 patients with blunt abdominal injuries underwent TAE immediately after admission. Of these patients, 41 had injuries in at least two regions and underwent TAE for these regions. Among them, 22 patients were hemodynamically stable or showed rapid response to fluid resuscitation. The nonsurgical treatment was successful in all these cases. The remaining 19 patients (Injury Severity Score, 37.3 +/- 8.2), who showed a transient response, were the subjects of this study. Of these patients, 15 underwent TAE for injuries in two regions (13 pelvic fractures, 7 splenic injuries, 6 hepatic injuries, 3 facial bleeding, and 1 renal injury), and 4 patients underwent TAE for injuries in three regions (4 had splenic injuries, 3 hepatic injuries, 2 renal injuries, 2 pelvic fractures, and 1 facial bleeding). For all these patients, TAE was successfully performed. Before TAE, the systolic blood pressure was 79.9 +/- 8.4 mm Hg, and the shock index was 1.45 +/- 0.25 mm Hg. After TAE, the corresponding values were 120.6 +/- 19.3 mm Hg and 0.87 +/- 0.16 mm Hg, respectively (p < 0.001). The rate of fluid administration required after TAE (214.2 +/- 139.3 mL/hour) was significantly less than that required before TAE (1244.2 +/- 347.1 mL/hour; range, 632-1,728 mL/hour) (p < 0.001). The deaths of two patients were classified as nonpreventable on the basis of the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS), and their respective probabilities of survival were determined to be 0.13 and 0.03.

CONCLUSION

Nonsurgical management using TAE can be performed safely even for patients with blunt multiple trauma who are in hemorrhagic hypotension if their hemodynamics are improved by resuscitation with 2 L of fluid.

Transcatheter arterial embolization in the trauma patient: a review

Blunt and penetrating traumatic injuries may result in acute or subacute vascular injuries. These injuries to solid organs and extremity vessels are often managed in a conservative fashion. Acuity and hemodynamic compromise may dictate a surgical course; however, interventional techniques first popularized in the early 1970s now offer a wide range of solutions principally using transcatheter arterial embolization. There are a wide range of materials and clinical scenarios for which embolization is appropriate. Embolic agents such as coils, Gelfoam, and particles may be used individually or in combination to stop or control bleeding. In this way, embolotherapy may prove to be the safest and most effective form of therapy. The purpose of this article is to review the indications for embolization in the trauma patient and to provide guidelines regarding techniques and material selection.

Imaging of renal trauma

Trauma is a major cause of death and disability and renal injuries occur in up to 10% of patients with significant blunt abdominal trauma. Patients with penetrating trauma and hematuria, blunt trauma with shock and hematuria, or gross hematuria warrant imaging of the urinary tract specifically and CT is the preferred modality. If there is significant perinephric fluid, especially medially, or deep laceration, delayed images should be obtained to evaluate for urinary extravasation. Most renal injuries are minor, including contusions, subcapsular and perinephric hematoma, and superficial lacerations. More significant injuries include deep lacerations, shattered kidney, active hemorrhage, infarctions, and vascular pedicle and UPJ injuries. These injuries are more likely to need surgery or have delayed complications but may still often be managed conservatively. The presence of urinary extravasation and large devitalized areas of renal parenchyma, especially with associated injuries of intraperitoneal organs, is particularly prone to complication and usually requires surgery. Active hemorrhage should be recognized because it often indicates a need for urgent surgery or embolization to prevent exsanguination.

Predictors of Death in Patients with Life-Threatening Pelvic Hemorrhage after Successful Transcatheter Arterial Embolization

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of death in patients with pelvic fracture whose pelvic arterial hemorrhage is controlled successfully by transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE).

METHODS

From January 1996 to December 2000, 61 patients with a pelvic fracture who had pelvic arterial hemorrhage were treated at our Level I trauma center according to a protocol that assigns a high priority to diagnostic and therapeutic angiography within the algorithm. Angiography is performed before laparotomy in patients with hemoperitoneum, who can be stabilized by fluid resuscitation, and otherwise afterward. External fixation was performed immediately after TAE in the angiography suite. Predictors of outcome were determined retrospectively by univariate and multivariate analysis using anatomic and physiologic parameters.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients survived and 13 died. TAE successfully controlled pelvic arterial hemorrhage in all patients. Predictors of death included posterior pelvic arterial injury and an elevated Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (odds ratio, 15.6 and 23.9, respectively). Need for fluid requirements to achieve hemodynamic stability were higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors. Outcome did not correlate with the type of fracture or the Injury Severity Score.

CONCLUSION

Application of angiography as a therapeutic intervention in patients with pelvic arterial bleeding may reduce the need for surgery, thereby avoiding or minimizing this additional trauma.

Efficacy and morbidity of therapeutic renal embolization in the spectrum of urologic disease

PURPOSE

We report the largest series of renal embolizations performed for a variety of indications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on embolizations performed in our institution from 1997 to 2002 encompassing 36 patients who underwent 44 procedures.

RESULTS

Embolization was successful on the first attempt in 87% of the patients. A second embolization was performed in four of the five unsuccessful cases, three successfully, increasing the success rate to 95%. The mean postoperative narcotic use was 27.2 mg of morphine equivalent, and 10 mg or less was required by 45% of the patients. In the 14 patients who had not also undergone a surgical procedure, the mean narcotic use was 21 mg, and 64% required 10 mg or less. Only 15% of the patients developed fever, which resolved within 2 days in all cases. Leukocytosis was seen in 47%. Follow-up creatinine and hypertension information was available in 16 and 18 patients, respectively. After a mean follow-up of 269 days, only one patient had a clinically significant rise in the creatinine concentration. After a mean follow-up of 496 days, two patients had new-onset hypertension. There was no statistically significant difference in the success rate, narcotic use, complications, creatinine concentrations, or the likelihood of fever, leukocytosis, or hypertension according to the indication for embolization or the agent used. Use of a microcatheter was associated with less parenchymal loss, and decreased parenchymal loss was associated with a significant reduction of narcotic use.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal embolization is a highly effective and well-tolerated procedure in a variety of urologic conditions. The indications and material used did not have a significant effect on the outcome. Reducing parenchymal loss can significantly reduce morbidity.