Bronchial artery angiography with embolization has become a mainstay in the treatment of hemoptysis. Major complications are rare and immediate clinical success defined as cessation of hemorrhage ranges in most series from 85% to 100%, although recurrence of hemorrhage ranges from 10% to 33%. Bronchial artery embolization offers a minimally invasive procedure for even the most compromised patient serving as first-line treatment for hemorrhage as well as providing a bridge to more definitive medical or surgical intervention focused upon the etiology of the hemorrhage. The aim of this article is to summarize the etiologies, pathophysiology, and the diagnostic and management strategies of hemoptysis as related to bronchial artery embolization. In addition, the techniques of arteriography and embolization as well as associated procedural outcomes and complications are delineated.

To discuss the use of renal mass biopsy (RMB) for small renal masses (SRMs), formulate technical aspects, outline potential pitfalls and provide recommendations for the practicing clinician. The meeting was conducted as an informal consensus process and no scoring system was used to measure the levels of agreement on the different topics. A moderated general discussion was used as the basis for consensus and arising issues were resolved at this point. A consensus was established and lack of agreement to topics or specific items was noted at this point. Recommended biopsy technique: at least two cores, sampling different tumour regions with ultrasonography being the preferred method of image guidance. Pathological interpretation: ‘non‐diagnostic samples’ should refer to insufficient material, inconclusive and normal renal parenchyma. For non‐diagnostic samples, a repeat biopsy is recommended. Fine‐needle aspiration may provide additional information but cannot substitute for core biopsy. Indications for RMB: biopsy is recommended in most cases except in patients with imaging or clinical characteristics indicative of pathology (syndromes, imaging characteristics) and cases whereby conservative management is not contemplated. RMB is recommended for active surveillance but not for watchful‐waiting candidates. We report the results of an international consensus meeting on the use of RMB for SRMs, defining the technique, pathological interpretation and indications.

Objectives• To characterize the use of emergent JJ ureteric stent placement and percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) for patients with obstructive urolithiasis with sepsis, and to determine whether outcomes differ between the two treatment methods. Patients and Methods• A total of 130 patients with obstructive urolithiasis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria were identified retrospectively from a single health system database from 1995 to 2011.• Primary outcomes included stone-related and clinical variables which predicted the use of each treatment method.• Secondary outcomes included the length of hospital stay, risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and surgical approach used for definitive stone management. Results• The overall rate of failed procedures was 2.3% (3/130), with one in-hospital death (0.8%). • After resolution of sepsis, patients treated with PCN were more likely to be treated definitively with a percutaneous approach, while patients treated with JJ stent placement were more likely to be treated ureteroscopically. Conclusions• Both JJ stent placement and PCN drainage appear effective.• Patients with larger stones and who are more acutely ill are more likely to be treated with PCN.• Additional randomized clinical trials of adequate power are warranted to define the optimum management of these often complex cases.