Renal embolization for trauma: a narrative review

Abstract

Renal injuries commonly occur in association with blunt trauma, especially in the setting of motorvehicle accidents. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is considered the gold-standard imagingmodality to assess patients for renal injuries in the setting of blunt and penetrating trauma, andto help classify injuries based on the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma injury scoringscale. The management of renal trauma has evolved in the past several decades, with a notable shifttowards a more conservative, nonoperative approach. Advancements in imaging and interventionalradiological techniques have enabled diagnostic angiography with angiographic catheter-directedembolization to become a viable option, making it possible to avoid surgical interventions that posean increased risk of nephrectomy. This review describes the current management of renal trauma,with an emphasis on renal artery embolization techniques.