Purpose: We demonstrate safety of renal artery embolization as an alternative to nephrectomy in symptomatic patients with obstructed, poorly functioning kidneys who are unfit for surgery.
Materials and methods: We performed renal artery embolization in 2 medically unfit patients with benign obstructive uropathy and poorly functioning kidneys. The affected kidney was initially drained with a nephrostomy tube and the kidney was then selectively embolized using absorbable gelatin sponge particles and Gianturco coils. The nephrostomy tube was removed before hospital discharge.
Results: Urine production by the affected kidney ceased and symptoms resolved.
Conclusions: Renal artery embolization with antegrade drainage is a safe alternative to surgery in unfit symptomatic patients with benign obstructive uropathy and poorly functioning kidneys.