Embolization of non-tolerated non-functioning kidney graft: alternative to surgical removal

The results of treatment by percutaneous transcatheter embolization in eight cases of non-tolerated non-functioning kidney graft are presented. The symptoms resulting from non-tolerance of the renal graft were fever, pain and haematuria. Embolization was well tolerated in all eight cases and the only adverse effect was post-embolization self-limited fever in five cases. The symptoms of non-tolerance of the graft disappeared immediately in all cases, with minimal morbidity and no mortality. In only one patient was it necessary to perform second embolization procedure to achieve permanent control of symptoms. We conclude that percutaneous embolization of non-tolerated non-functioning kidney graft is an effective procedure with significantly less morbidity than with surgical graft nephrectomy.