Intraoperative effect of preoperative embolization of the renal artery in patients with kidney carcinoma

Aim of the embolization of the renal artery is to provoke ischemia or shut out from blood supply of the kidney tissue including pathologically changed area. As a result of this procedure the affected kidney becomes suitable for surgical removal without significant loss of blood. In this study there are included 116 nephrectomies due to kidney carcinoma. Clinical diagnosis and treatment of the patients are held at the Clinic of Urology of the Alexandrovska Hospital for the period 1990-1995. Embolization of the renal artery is accomplished in 52 subjects (63.41%). The procedure was contraindicated in 10 subjects (8.62%). It was established intraoperatively that the affected kidney had good embolization in 46 subjects (88.46%), in 4 subjects (3.44%) it had excellent embolization, and in 2 subjects (1.72%) there was just peripheral embolization. Authors conclude that: 1) Nevertheless this method is invasive it still has a place in urologists' practice. 2) Preoperative embolization of the renal artery is a devise for surgical removal of the kidney as well as achieving maximum effect.