Renal devitalization using 95 per cent ethyl alcohol.

Preoperative embolization of renal arteries with solid material before nephrectomy is a standard procedure for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. However, it often is difficult to use these materials and sometimes special equipment is required. We have used 95 per cent ethyl alcohol in 3 patients to devitalize kidneys with tumors. Our results show 95 per cent ethyl alcohol to be safe, effective and easy to use. When combined with epidural anesthesia alcohol embolization is well tolerated by the patient, and its destructive effect is complete and limited to the selected organ.