[Persistent gluteal pain after embolization of the hypogastric arteries. An unexpected complication]

Ligation or embolization of the hypogastric arteries for control of intractable hemorrhage from the bladder has been used in the past with equal results and without ill effect. Gluteal pain following hypogastric embolization is common and was reported to be resolved in less than 48 hours. A 57 year old man in our ward underwent a bilateral hypogastric embolization. The bleeding decreased considerably but a severe gluteal pain and claudication ensued. The pain persisted over a month necessitating frequent Morphine injections. We propose to use superselective catheterization technique in the future sparing the superior gluteal artery.