Renal artery embolization for benign obstructive uropathy

Purpose: We demonstrate safety of renal artery embolization as an alternati ve to nephrectomy in symptomatic patients with obstructed, poorly functioni ng kidneys who are unfit for surgery. Materials and Methods: We performed renal artery embolization in 2 medicall y unfit patients with benign obstructive uropathy and poorly functioning ki dneys. The affected kidney was initially drained with a nephrostomy tube an d the kidney was then selectively embolized using absorbable gelatin sponge particles and Gianturco coils. The nephrostomy tube was removed before hos pital discharge. Results: Urine production by the affected kidney ceased and symptoms resolv ed. Conclusions: Renal artery embolization with antegrade drainage is a safe al ternative to surgery in unfit symptomatic patients with benign obstructive uropathy and poorly functioning kidneys.