Embolization safer than nephrectomy for high-grade renal trauma, registry study finds

In a registry study of 849 patients with high-grade renal trauma, embolization was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (5% vs 17%) and acute kidney injury (4% vs 15%) compared with nephrectomy. Interventional radiology embolization may be a kidney-preserving option for s…

• The study analyzed AAST grade 3-4 renal injuries from the ACS-TQIP registry (2017–2022), comparing 469 embolization with 380 nephrectomy cases.
• Embolization also had lower rates of cardiac arrest (2% vs 9%), unplanned return to OR (4% vs 12%), and severe sepsis (1% vs 3%).
• Authors recommend considering embolization for initial management in stable patients, though prospective validation is needed.

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