Renal artery embolization for benign obstructive uropathy.

Abstract

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. 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. Urine production by the affected kidney ceased and symptoms resolved. Renal artery embolization with antegrade drainage is a safe alternative to surgery in unfit symptomatic patients with benign obstructive uropathy and poorly functioning kidneys.