Ethanol embolization of a renal tumor, complicated by colonic infarction

Since 1981 ethanol has been used to ablate renal tumors. Although initially was stated that no danger exists of accidental embolization of other arteries recently 2 patients were described with colonic infarction following renal ablation. We present a similar case, in which emergency surgery was performed to resect a necrotized part of the colon, and a colostomy was constructed. Recommendations in order to prevent this complication are discussed.