THE ROLE OF INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGISTS IN THE TREATMENT OF COMPLICATIONS IN UROLOGIC PATIENTS

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Interventional Radiology
• Nephrology

Background:

• High patient turnover in tertiary centers increases urologic procedure complications, including vascular injuries (0.43%-9.5%).
• Preserving renal function is critical in patients with impaired kidney function to prevent hemodialysis.
• Minimally invasive endovascular procedures are essential for managing severe urologic complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of renal artery embolization (RAE) for treating complications arising from urologic procedures.
• To highlight the importance of interdisciplinary communication between urologists and interventional radiologists for timely treatment.
• To review contraindications, embolic agents, and potential complications associated with RAE.

Main Methods:

• Review of endovascular procedures, specifically renal artery embolization (RAE).
• Discussion of embolic agents: temporary (gelatin sponge) and permanent (microparticles, coils, etc.).
• Analysis of contraindications (acute infection, anaphylaxis to contrast media) and common adverse effects (postembolization syndrome).

Main Results:

• RAE is a safe procedure with a low complication rate; non-target embolization is the most serious risk.
• Postembolization syndrome affects approximately 90% of patients but is generally manageable.
• RAE demonstrates high success rates, ranging from 87% to 100% in treating significant urologic complications.

Conclusions:

• Renal artery embolization (RAE) is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for major urologic procedure complications.
• Prompt collaboration between urologists and interventional radiologists ensures optimal patient outcomes.
• RAE successfully preserves kidney function and avoids the need for hemodialysis in many cases.