[The percutaneous transarterial embolization therapy of traumatic kidney hemorrhages]

To demonstrate the possibility of transarterial, superselective embolization after traumatic kidney injury and hemorrhage in patients usually treated by surgery.

In a series of 16 patients aged 21 to 86 years (mean 37 years) external trauma led to kidney damage and consecutive bleeding. After diagnostic angiography (5 F) the exact site of hemorrhage was detected and treated by superselective embolization via a coaxial catheter system (2.7 F) either by coils (n = 5) or liquid agents (ethibloc, n = 11).

In all patients bleeding was stopped interventionally. Additional surgical treatment was not necessary in any case. In one older patient with preinterventionally known reduced kidney function, the excretion function decreased to creatinine levels of about 3.6 mg/dl after therapy and led to compensated nephric insufficiency. Other complications were not observed.

Interventional embolization is a well-tolerated and effective treatment modality after traumatic kidney hemorrhage. After exclusion of other injuries obligate for surgery, percutaneous transarterial therapy may help to avoid an operation. This reduces the risk of narcosis and treatment especially in multimorbid patients.