[Catheter embolization: parenchyma-preserving therapy of renal bleeding of nonmalignant etiology]

9 patients with life-threatening renal bleeding of non-malignant origin, including trauma, AV fistulas, pseudoaneurysms and polycystic kidneys, were embolised after angiographic demonstration of the leakage. In all cases, the bleeding was stopped and in one case only nephrectomy was necessary 3 days after the initial embolisation procedure. Transcatheter renal embolisation should be performed as selectively as possible. With this technique most of the renal parenchyma can be saved. Embolisation is a safe and inexpensive procedure which also can be performed in critically ill patients.