Kidney embolisation

BLOCKS BLOOD SUPPLY TO A KIDNEY TUMOUR, CAUSING IT TO SHRINK. 


If you experience a kidney condition, such as cancer, you may require embolisation.

Enquiries & Appointments

About kidney embolisation

Embolisation is a treatment option for patients with kidney cancer. If removing your kidney isn't possible, this is an alternative to surgery.

The procedure deliberately blocks blood supply to the kidney, causing the tumour to shrink. Your renal consultant will discuss this in detail with you to put your mind at ease.

Need to know

Kidney embolisation is normally carried out under local anaesthetic. Your surgeon's techniques may vary but they may follow this process:

Your consultant surgeon will start by making a small incision in the groin area, before inserting a catheter (long, thin tube) into the blood vessel. Using X-ray images, they will then inject a fluid (blocking agent) into the blood vessel through the catheter. This fluid blocks the blood supply to the kidney area that is to be embolised (obstructed).

This can take up to three hours. Pain relief medication may be given to you during this time. At the end of the procedure, your consultant surgeon will remove the catheter. Pressure may be applied to the incision area to stop bleeding.

Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have. You will have blood and urine tests beforehand to ensure you are not at risk during kidney embolisation. You may be advised to not eat anything four hours prior to treatment. You should be able to drink water up to two hours before.

Intravenous fluids are passed into your blood stream around two hours before the procedure. If you take painkillers, blood thinning medication or anticoagulants, your consultant will advise you on when to stop taking these. It is normally stopped or your dose will be adjusted at least one week prior to the procedure.

You will remain in hospital for monitoring after kidney embolisation. Your consultant and nurses may check the following:

  • Swelling and/or bleeding in the groin area where the catheter was inserted.
  • Blood pressure, circulation, pulse and temperature.
  • If you experience any pain or discomfort.
  • The amount of oxygen in your blood.

You may also be given a urinary catheter to drain urine from your bladder. This helps your consultant to ensure blood and urine levels around your kidneys are sufficient When you are ready to go home, your consultant may give you medication to assist your recovery. They will also advise you on follow-up appointments.

Our kidney specialist consultants

We're proud to work with leading experts across a range of medical fields, whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.

Our Kidney embolisation consultants

Mr Tev Aho

Mr Tev Aho

Urology

Mr Prasad Patki

Mr Prasad Patki

Urology

Mr Maneesh Ghei

Mr Maneesh Ghei

Urology

Mr Ashwin Sridhar

Mr Ashwin Sridhar

Urology

Our Kidney embolisation locations

The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.