Control of renal arterial bleeding after percutaneous biopsy

Transcatheter arterial embolization is becoming an accepted method of controlling massive acute hemorrhage, including that secondary to blunt and penetrating renal trauma. Two patients with retroperitoneal bleeding postrenal biopsy and angiographically proved pseudoaneurysms at the biopsy sites had successful embolization without sequelae. Experimental and clinical experience with transcatheter embolization is reviewed. It appears that this modality is a safe, effective way of controlling renal hemorrhage.