Management of urological hemorrhage and the role of transarterial angioembolization

Abstract

Urological hemorrhage is an important problem in contemporary urological practice with significant associated morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, these emergencies present a number of challenges to clinicians as current practice has evolved due to the increased availability of new imaging techniques and transarterial embolisation (TAE). In this review we have explored the epidemiology, etiology and management of both renal and bladder hemorrhage. Renal bleeding secondary to accidental or iatrogenic trauma and neoplastic disease requires careful but expeditious assessment and treatment. We have described current conservative, surgical and radiological approaches to the management of this challenging problem. Moreover, bladder hemorrhage due to hemorrhagic cystitis, boadder cancer and infection represents a significant problem in current practice. Advances in technology have changed the management options and again we have explored the literature in order to determine the optimum treatment approaches.