Transcatheter angiography and embolization of traumatic hepatic bleeding

Objective To assess the value of transcatheter angiography and embolization in diagnosis and treatment of traumatic hepatic bleeding.Methods A total of 18 patients with traumatic hepatic bleeding underwent angiography and transcatheter embolization with gelfoam and polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)particles.Results Contrast extravasation was observed in all 18 cases during hepatic artery angiography.Bleeding stopped immediately after embolization in all the patients,but occurred in 1 case and was treated successfully with re-embolization.During a 3 months follow-up,no recurrence of bleeding or serious complications were observed.Conclusion Transcatheter hepatic artery angiography and embolization is a safe and effective way in diagnosis and treatment of traumatic hepatic bleeding.