Selective renal segmental artery embolization for hydronephrotic upper renal moiety: Simple alternative to standard surgical resection

Abstract

Duplex kidney with an ectopic upper moiety ureter usually presents with urinary incontinence in young females. If the ectopic ureter belongs to a non-functioning moiety, it is treated with surgical resection of the moiety. Renal artery embolization has been used in patients with a poorly functioning kidney for various indications. In the present report, a 30-year old lady presented with continuous urinary incontinence with normal voids in between. On evaluation, she was found to have duplex left kidney with poorly functioning upper moiety associated with an ectopic ureter opening into the vagina. She underwent successful upper segmental renal artery embolization with no postoperative complications and uneventful recovery. Hence, renal artery embolization is a minimally invasive and well tolerated alternative to surgical partial or hemi-nephrectomy for a non-functioning duplex renal moiety.