[The advantages of palliative embolization and with preoperative ethanol in hypernephroma]. / Ventajas de la embolización con etanol prequirúrgico y paliativa en hipernefromas.

We report thirty-one embolizations of renal cell carcinomas, using ethanol injected through a balloon-tipped catheter. This technique is performed both as a palliative and as a preoperative treatment. Renal function (urea and creatinine) before and a week after embolization showed no important variations. The CT scan six days after embolization disclosed intratumoral gas formation due to necrosis, without infection. Less time and fewer transfusions were required with this procedure and the morbidity and mortality rates were lower. There were no major complications and the duration of the postembolization syndrome was reduced to 48 hours. A histopathological examination of the tumor and the vascular changes was done, showing the effects of ethanol on the arterial and venous walls.

[Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in vascular by-passes]. / Angioplastia transluminal percutánea en "by-pass" vasculares.

Results from 21 cases of percutaneous transluminal angioplasties as a treatment of stenosed vascular by-pass from 16 patients, are presented. The technique took place in 10 cases at the aorto-femoral area, in others 10 cases at the popliteal-femoral area and, in the last one, at the carotid-subclavian area. Preliminary results were successful in all cases (100%). Follow-up showed a better long-term results at the aorto-femoral level. Considering the satisfactory results and also considering that, in case of negative results or re-stenosis, other surgical techniques could be performed, we conclude that the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty should be the first treatment for such of injuries.