Preoperative Vascular Embolization of Renal Cell Carcinoma Bone Metastatic Lesions. Is It Worth It?

Introduction: RCC metastasis are hyper-vascular and surgery of these lesions is associated with significant perioperative blood loss. Evidence is limited on the usefulness of preoperative embolization. Successful embolization (>70%) is expected in 36 to 75% of cases with complication rates reported at 0 to 9%.

Method(s): Retrospective study of all new patients undergoing embolization of RCC bone metastasis was performed for 5 years (2016–2021) within our tertiary care unit. Information for analysis was gathered via an electronic database, histopathology records, and patient clinical notes. Preoperative and postoperative blood transfusion data were provided by our blood bank.

Result(s): A total of 28 patients (male 17; female 11) underwent embolization of RCC bone metastasis prior to surgery. The median age was 64.5 years. Overall, 30 day complication rate including embolization-related complications and mortality was 0. Six patients (21%) had a postoperative blood transfusion of 1 to 2 units.

Conclusion(s): Good technical success in preoperative embolization of bone metastases with a large proportion not needing any blood transfusion. There were no embolization related complications or 30-day mortality.

Publication History

Article published online:
09 February 2023