Massive postoperative bleeding in a solitary kidney successfully treated by salvage clot embolization

We report a case of massive postoperative bleeding in a young woman with a solitary kidney, which was treated successfully by temporary transcatheter embolization with autologous clot. Renal function recovered well and angiography showed complete patency of the previously occluded vessels. The problems related to temporary embolization are discussed briefly as well as the activity of the fibrinolytic system in the different species. We conclude that temporary embolization, although some risks undoubtedly exist, may be considered as valuable therapeutic management in selected cases.