Transcatheter angiographic embolization of percutaneous nephrolithotomy-related bleeding: A single-center experience

Abstract Background: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and angiographic features of transcatheter angiographic embolization (TAE) in patients with active bleeding after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).Methods: Between 2009 and 2018, 45 patients who underwent TAE for hemorrhage control after PCNL were reviewed retrospectively. Patient clinical characteristics and angiographic features of TAE were analyzed.Results: Of the 3148 patients, 45 (1.4%) patients were treated with TAE after PCNL. The interval from the bleeding episode to TAE was 3 days (1,6). Arterial laceration, arteriovenous fistula, and negative angiographic finding was found in 28 (62.2%), 7 (15.6%), and 10 patients (22.2%). Thirty-five patients (92.1%) achieved primary clinical success. The median corrected hemoglobin decrease from bleeding episode to TAE was 52 g/L (25.25, 71.00). The median corrected hemoglobin decrease rate from bleeding episode to TAE was 13.11 g/L·d (5.60, 26.12). The hemoglobin decrease from bleeding episode to TAE was lesser in negative angiographic patients (28.50 (10.75,51.25) g/L VS 53.7 (35.0,73.13) g/L) than in positive angiographic patients (P<0.05).Conclusions: TAE is a safe and effective treatment for post-PCNL bleeding patients. Previous kidney surgery is associated with a higher risk of TAE. Patients with bleeding from multiple negative angiographic findings can be considered for prophylactic embolization.