Preoperative embolization of renal tumors--comparison of different methods

Different techniques and materials for preoperative embolization of renal carcinoma have been assessed in 26 cases. The different methods used and compared were gelfoam fragments (10 cases), cyanoacrylate (4 cases), Gianturco stainless steel coil (3 cases) and the combination of gelfoam and the Gianturco device (9 cases). The method of choice appears to be the combination of gelfoam and the Gianturco device which allows excellent peripheral ischemia with complete occlusion of the main arterial trunks. Embolization is particularly useful in invading and hypervascularized renal tumors supplied by collateral blood vessels.