Renal artery embolization for the treatment of renal artery pseudoaneurysm following partial nephrectomy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Renal artery pseudoaneurysm following open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted nephrectomies is a relatively rare but serious complication. Selective renal artery embolization is an interventional radiologic procedure that can be used to successfully treat this postoperative complication. CASE REPORT: We present 2 cases of renal artery pseudoaneurysm, both of which were successfully treated by renal artery embolization, and briefly describe the technical aspects of and clinical indications for this angiographic procedure. CONCLUSION: Unlike other imaging modalities, angiography shows the anatomic location of a pseudoaneurysm so the interventional radiologist can quickly treat this potentially life-threatening condition.