The Role of Angioembolization In the Management of Blunt Renal Injuries: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background Non-operative management is established for low-grade (I-III) blunt renal injuries but it is getting increasingly popular even in high grade BRI thanks to angioembolization of active bleedings. To date a systematic review to assess the role of Angioembolization (RAE) in Blunt Renal Injuries (BRI) is not yet present in the literature. Methods a literature search was performed, 169 unilateral BRI were included; 124 high grade BRI (92 grade IV and 32 grade V renal injuries, respectively). Most common indication was hemodynamically stable patients with BRI grades II to IV and active contrast extravasation. Results Overall, the clinical success rate of RAE was 90% (range 73% − 100%). The rate of re-do embolization was 4.5% gaining a 100% success rate with a second attempt. Some authors reported successful RAE even in patients with grade V BRI, without major abdominal organ injuries and no pelvic fractures. RAE was performed also as adjunctive therapy prior to surgery. Most used agent was micro coils. Nephrectomy rate was 5.8%, mortality rate was 3.2%. Conclusions A multidisciplinary approach between interventional radiology and urology should be pursued to make every effort to perform endovascular therapy unless there are multiple visceral injuries or renal pedicle avulsion or expanding retroperitoneal hematoma necessitating surgery.