Deep learning model utilizing clinical data alone outperforms image-based model for hernia recurrence following abdominal wall reconstruction with long-term follow up.

BACKGROUND: Deep learning models (DLMs) using preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging have shown promise in predicting outcomes following abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR), including component separation, wound complications, and pulmonary failure. This study aimed to apply these methods in predicting hernia recurrence and to evaluate if incorporating additional clinical data would improve the DLM's predictive ability. METHODS: Patients were identified from a prospectively maintained single-institution database. Those who underwent AWR with available preoperative CTs were included, and those with < 18 months of follow up were excluded. Patients were separated into a training (80%) set and a testing (20%) set. A DLM was trained on the images only, and another DLM was trained on demographics only: age, sex, BMI, diabetes, and history of tobacco use. A mixed-value DLM incorporated data from both. The DLMs were evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) in predicting recurrence. RESULTS: The models evaluated data from 190 AWR patients with a 14.7% recurrence rate after an average follow up of more than 7 years (mean ± SD: 86 ± 39 months; median [Q1, Q3]: 85.4 [56.1, 113.1]). Patients had a mean age of 57.5 ± 12.3 years and were majority (65.8%) female with a BMI of 34.2 ± 7.9 kg/m2. There were 28.9% with diabetes and 16.8% with a history of tobacco use. The AUCs for the imaging DLM, clinical DLM, and combined DLM were 0.500, 0.667, and 0.604, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical-only DLM outperformed both the image-only DLM and the mixed-value DLM in predicting recurrence. While all three models were poorly predictive of recurrence, the clinical-only DLM was the most predictive. These findings may indicate that imaging characteristics are not as useful for predicting recurrence as they have been for other AWR outcomes. Further research should focus on understanding the imaging characteristics that are identified by these DLMs and expanding the demographic information incorporated in the clinical-only DLM to further enhance the predictive ability of this model.

Disparate potential for readmission prevention exists among inpatient and outpatient procedures in a minimally invasive surgery practice.

BACKGROUND: Administrators have focused on decreasing postoperative readmissions for cost reduction without fully understanding their preventability. This study describes the development and implementation of a surgeon-led readmission review process that assessed preventability. METHODS: A gastrointestinal surgical group at a tertiary referral hospital developed and implemented a template to analyze inpatient and outpatient readmissions. Monthly stakeholder assessments reviewed and categorized readmissions as potentially preventable or not preventable. Continuous variables were examined by the Student's t test and reported as means and standard deviations. Categorical variables were examined by the Pearson χ2 statistic and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: There were 61 readmission events after 849 inpatient operations (7.2%) and 16 after 856 outpatient operations (1.9%), the latter of which were all classified as potentially preventable. Colorectal procedures represented 65.6% of readmissions despite being only 37.2% of all cases. The majority (67.2%) of readmission events were not preventable. Compared to the not-preventable group, the potentially preventable group experienced more dehydration (30.0% vs 9.8%, P = .045) and ileostomy creation (78.6% vs 33.3%, P = .017). The potential for outpatient management to prevent readmission was significantly higher in the potentially preventable group (40.0% vs 0.0%, P < .001), as was premature discharge prevention (35.0% vs 0.0%, P < .001). CONCLUSION: The use of the standardized template developed for analyzing readmission events after inpatient and outpatient procedures identified a disparate potential for readmission prevention. This finding suggests that a singular focus on readmission reduction is misguided, with further work needed to evaluate and implement appropriate quality-based strategies.

Early warning: End-tidal carbon dioxide is associated with central venous oxygenation under continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring in a porcine model of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) has previously shown promise as a predictor of shock severity and mortality in trauma. ETCO2 monitoring is non-invasive, real-time, and readily available in prehospital settings, but the temporal relationship of ETCO2 to systemic oxygen transport has not been thoroughly investigated in the context of hemorrhagic shock. METHODS: A validated porcine model of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation was used in male Yorkshire swine (N â€‹= â€‹7). Both ETCO2 and central venous oxygenation (SCVO2) were monitored and recorded continuously in addition to other traditional hemodynamic variables. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis showed that ETCO2 was associated with ScvO2 both throughout the experiment (ߠ​= â€‹1.783, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.552-2.014], p â€‹< â€‹0.001) and during the period of most rapid hemorrhage (ߠ​= â€‹4.896, 95% CI [2.416-7.377], p â€‹< â€‹0.001) when there was a marked decrease in ETCO2. CONCLUSIONS: ETCO2 and ScvO2 were closely associated during rapid hemorrhage and continued to be temporally associated throughout shock and resuscitation.

Prospective, international analysis of quality of life outcomes in recurrent versus primary ventral hernia repairs.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QOL) has become a key outcome measure following ventral hernia repair (VHR), but recurrent and primary VHR have not been compared in this context previously. METHODS: The International Hernia Mesh Registry (2008-2019) was used to identify patients with QOL data scored by the Carolinas Comfort Scale preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 year. RESULTS: Repairs were performed in 227 recurrent and 1,122 primary VHs. Recurrent patients had a higher BMI, larger defects, and were more likely to have preoperative pain, but other comorbidities were equal. Recurrence rates at 1 year were equivalent. Recurrent patients had a greater improvement in pain (-6.3 ± 10.2 vs -4.3 ± 8.3,p = 0.002) and movement limitation (-5.5 ± 10.0 vs -3.2 ± 7.2,p < 0.001) compared to primary patients, but they had increased postoperative mesh sensation (4.6 ± 7.7 vs 2.7 ± 5.5,p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent VHRs led to improved pain and movement limitation, but increased mesh sensation. These findings may be useful for preoperative counseling in the elective setting.

Defining surgical risk in octogenarians undergoing paraesophageal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: With an aging population, the utility of surgery in elderly patients, particularly octogenarians, is of increasing interest. The goal of this study was to analyze outcomes of octogenarians versus non-octogenarians undergoing paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR). METHODS: The Nationwide Readmission Database was queried for patients > 18 years old who underwent PEHR from 2016 to 2018. Exclusion criteria included a diagnosis of gastrointestinal malignancy or a concurrent bariatric procedure. Patients ≥ 80 were compared to those 18-79 years old using standard statistical methods, and subgroup analyses of elective and non-elective PEHRs were performed. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2018, 46,450 patients were identified with 5425 (11.7%) octogenarians and 41,025 (88.3%) non-octogenarians. Octogenarians were more likely to have a non-elective operation (46.3% vs 18.2%, p < 0.001), and those undergoing non-elective PEHR had a higher mortality (5.5% vs 1.2%, p < 0.001). Outcomes were improved with elective PEHR, but octogenarians still had higher mortality (1.3% vs 0.2%, p < 0.001), longer LOS (3[2, 5] vs 2[1, 3] days, p < 0.001), and higher readmission rates within 30 days (11.1% vs 6.5%, p < 0.001) compared to non-octogenarian elective patients. Multivariable logistic regression showed that being an octogenarian was not independently predictive of mortality (odds ratio (OR) 1.373[95% confidence interval 0.962-1.959], p = 0.081), but a non-elective operation was (OR 3.180[2.492-4.057], p < 0.001). Being an octogenarian was a risk factor for readmission within 30 days (OR 1.512[1.348-1.697], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Octogenarians represented a substantial proportion of patients undergoing PEHR and were more likely to undergo a non-elective operation. Being an octogenarian was not an independent predictor of perioperative mortality, but a non-elective operation was. Octogenarians' morbidity and mortality was reduced in elective procedures but was still higher than non-octogenarians. Elective PEHR in octogenarians is reasonable but should involve a thorough risk-benefit analysis.

Platelet Aggregation, Mitochondrial Function and Morphology in Cold Storage: Impact of Resveratrol and Cytochrome c Supplementation.

Donated platelets are critical components of hemostasis management. Extending platelet storage beyond the recommended guidelines (5 days, 22 °C) is of clinical significance. Platelet coagulation function can be prolonged with resveratrol (Res) or cytochrome c (Cyt c) at 4 °C. We hypothesized that storage under these conditions is associated with maintained aggregation function, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, increased mitochondrial respiratory function, and preserved morphology. Donated platelets were stored at 22 °C or 4 °C supplemented with 50 µM Res or 100 µM Cyt c and assayed on days 0 (baseline), 5, 7 and 10 for platelet aggregation, morphology, intracellular ROS, and mitochondrial function. Declining platelet function and increased intracellular ROS were maintained by Res and Cyt c. Platelet respiratory control ratio declined during storage using complex I + II (CI + CII) or CIV substrates. No temperature-dependent differences (4 °C versus 22 °C) in respiratory function were observed. Altered platelet morphology was observed after 7 days at 22 °C, effects that were blunted at 4 °C independent of exposure to Res or Cyt c. Storage of platelets at 4 °C with Res and Cyt c modulates ROS generation and platelet structural integrity.

A High-Fidelity, Tissue-Based Simulation for Cardiac Transplantation.

Several operations in cardiothoracic surgery have been accurately modeled with tissue-based simulations. These have been shown to be beneficial in the training of residents. Cardiac transplantation has not been simulated. We describe a high-fidelity, tissue-based simulation that can be used to teach trainees to perform a cardiac transplant. We modified the existing Ramphal Cardiac Surgery Simulator to accommodate cardiac transplantation. An attending cardiac surgeon successfully performed the simulated transplant, demonstrating each of the component tasks of the operation. We believe our simulation will enhance the training of cardiothoracic surgery residents.

Ketamine and MAG Lipase Inhibitor-Dependent Reversal of Evolving Depressive-Like Behavior During Forced Abstinence From Alcohol Drinking.

Although alcoholism and depression are highly comorbid, treatment options that take this into account are lacking, and mouse models of alcohol (ethanol (EtOH)) intake-induced depressive-like behavior have not been well established. Recent studies utilizing contingent EtOH administration through prolonged two-bottle choice access have demonstrated depression-like behavior following EtOH abstinence in singly housed female C57BL/6J mice. In the present study, we found that depression-like behavior in the forced swim test (FST) is revealed only after a protracted (2 weeks), but not acute (24 h), abstinence period. No effect on anxiety-like behavior in the EPM was observed. Further, we found that, once established, the affective disturbance is long-lasting, as we observed significantly enhanced latencies to approach food even 35 days after ethanol withdrawal in the novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT). We were able to reverse affective disturbances measured in the NSFT following EtOH abstinence utilizing the N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and antidepressant ketamine but not memantine, another NMDAR antagonist. Pretreatment with the monoacylglycerol (MAG) lipase inhibitor JZL-184 also reduced affective disturbances in the NSFT in ethanol withdrawn mice, and this effect was prevented by co-administration of the CB1 inverse agonist rimonabant. Endocannabinoid levels were decreased within the BLA during abstinence compared with during drinking. Finally, we demonstrate that the depressive behaviors observed do not require a sucrose fade and that this drinking paradigm may favor the development of habit-like EtOH consumption. These data could set the stage for developing novel treatment approaches for alcohol-withdrawal-induced mood and anxiety disorders.

Establishing hospital-based trauma registry systems: lessons from Kenya.

OBJECTIVE: In the developing world, data about the burden of injury, injury outcomes, and complications of care are limited. Hospital-based trauma registries are a data source that can help define this burden. Under the trauma care component of the Bloomberg Global Road Safety Partnership, trauma registries have been implemented at three sites in Kenya. We describe the challenges and lessons learned from this effort. METHODS: A paper-based trauma surveillance form was developed, in collaboration with local hospital partners, to collect data on all trauma patients presenting for care. The form includes demographic information, pre-hospital care given, and patient care and clinical information necessary to calculate estimated injury surveillance. The type of data collected was standardized across all three sites. Frequent reviews of the data collection process, quality, and completeness, in addition to regular meetings and conference calls, have allowed us to optimize the process to improve efficiency and make corrective actions where required. RESULTS: Trauma registries have been implemented in three hospitals in Kenya, with potential for expansion to other hospitals and facilities caring for injured patients. The process of establishing registries was associated with both general and site-specific challenges. Problems were identified in planning, data collection, entry processes, and analysis. Problems were addressed when identified, resulting in improved data quality. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma registries are a key data source for defining the burden of injury and developing quality improvement processes. Trauma registries were implemented at three sites in Kenya. Problems and challenges in data collection were identified and corrected. Through the registry data, gaps in care were identified and systemic changes made to improve the care of the injured.

Effects of intra-articular botulinum toxin type A (Botox) in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of intra-articular botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) in dogs with chronic osteo- arthritis. METHODS: Client-owned dogs with lameness and discomfort attributed to unilateral elbow or hip osteoarthritis were eligible for inclusion (n = 5). All dogs had BoNT/A (25 units) administered to the affected joint (2 elbows, 3 hips). Dogs were evaluated by pressure platform gait analysis before and at two, four, eight, and 12 weeks post-injection, and by client perception of outcome. RESULTS: In experimental limbs, ground reaction forces (peak vertical force and vertical impulse) consistently improved for a variable period of time following intra-articular BoNT/A therapy. These changes were not, however, observed in the contralateral limbs, in which values remained relatively unchanged or decreased. Four out of five owners reported at least some improvement in their dog's condition following treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A multimodal approach with the intra-articular administration of BoNT/A may be an option for osteoarthritis patients that are unresponsive to medical management and unable to undergo surgery. However, the findings of this study are preliminary and must be verified by further investigation.

Traumatic fragmented medial coronoid process in a Chihuahua.

Fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP) is a disease process that has not previously been reported in toy-breed dogs. This report describes a presumptive case of FMCP in a 14-month-old Chihuahua that was presented for evaluation approximately four weeks following acute onset of moderate lameness in the left forelimb. Definitive diagnosis of a fragmented medial coronoid process was based upon computed tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan also demonstrated moderate joint incongruity in the affected elbow. Surgical removal of the fragment and subtotal coronoidectomy were performed via a medial arthrotomy. An ulnar ostectomy was also performed to address joint incongruity. Histology of specimens removed at surgery did not demonstrate evidence of microdamage as characteristic of FMCP in large breed dogs, and instead, suggested that the fracture was acute and traumatic in nature. Rapid return to function was observed following surgery.

Prior video game exposure does not enhance robotic surgical performance.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Prior research has demonstrated that counterintuitive laparoscopic surgical skills are enhanced by experience with video games. A similar relation with robotic surgical skills has not been tested. The purpose of this study was to determine whether prior video-game experience enhances the acquisition of robotic surgical skills. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A series of 242 preclinical medical students completed a self-reported video-game questionnaire detailing the frequency, duration, and peak playing time. The 10 students with the highest and lowest video-game exposure completed a follow-up questionnaire further quantifying video game, sports, musical instrument, and craft and hobby exposure. Each subject viewed a training video demonstrating the use of the da Vinci surgical robot in tying knots, followed by 3 minutes of proctored practice time. Subjects then tied knots for 5 minutes while an independent blinded observer recorded the number of knots tied, missed knots, frayed sutures, broken sutures, and mechanical errors. RESULTS: The mean playing time for the 10 game players was 15,136 total hours (range 5,840-30,000 hours). Video-game players tied fewer knots than nonplayers (5.8 v 9.0; P = 0.04). Subjects who had played sports for at least 4 years had fewer mechanical errors (P = 0.04), broke fewer sutures (P = 0.01), and committed fewer total errors (P = 0.01). Similarly, those playing musical instruments longer than 5 years missed fewer knots (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the extremes of video-game experience tested in this study, game playing was inversely correlated with the ability to learn robotic suturing. This study suggests that advanced surgical skills such as robotic suturing may be learned more quickly by athletes and musicians. Prior extensive video-game exposure had a negative impact on robotic performance.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is safe and results in increased kidney donation.

The impact of hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy on kidney allograft function, perioperative complications, and organ supply was evaluated by retrospective analysis of 41 hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy patients and their recipients between January and October 2003. Serum creatinine at discharge, length of stay, estimated blood loss, operative time, and perioperative complications were analyzed. The mean values for laparoscopic donors and their recipients were 1.2 +/- 0.3 and 1.3 +/- 0.8 mg/dL for creatinine, 3.3 +/- 0.8 and 6.7 +/- 3 days for length of stay, and 110.4 +/- 76.9 and 111.6 +/- 56 mL for estimated blood loss, respectively. No major complications occurred in the laparoscopic donors. The number of living kidney donors increased by 94% compared to the mean of the previous 4 years following implementation of the laparoscopic program. Hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is safe, results in excellent allograft function, and significantly increases donation.

Vesicovaginal fistula.

The most common cause of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) in North America is injury to the bladder during a hysterectomy. In underdeveloped countries, childbirth is the leading etiology of these fistulae. Although the diagnosis of a VVF usually can be readily made in an outpatient setting, care must be exercised not to overlook a second fistula or concomitant ureteral injury. The timing of repair of the VVF is dependent on its etiology, comorbidities, and the anticipated approach for repair of the fistula. The transvaginal approach is more amenable to an early repair, is less invasive, and is accompanied by a 90% or higher success rate. Fistulae related to pelvic irradiation and recurrent fistulae are complex and may require interposition of vascularized tissue for successful repair.

Perfusion sphincterometry for objective evaluation of postprostatectomy intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

OBJECTIVES: Male urinary incontinence secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) is a possible complication of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or radical prostatectomy (RP). For objective assessment of urinary sphincteric competence, we used perfusion sphincterometry (PS) to measure the retrograde urethral perfusion pressure (RUPP). METHODS: A retrospective and prospective analysis of 60 neurologically normal patients of varying continence status was performed. The subjects were divided into three groups: continent patients with no previous prostate surgery (group 1), continent patients after prostatectomy (group 2), and incontinent patients after prostatectomy (group 3). All patients underwent PS with the technique described. All incontinent patients (group 3) had a filling cystometrogram (CMG) to rule out detrusor instability. RESULTS: Continent patients with no prior prostate surgery (group 1) had a mean RUPP of 101 +/- 16 cm H2O; continent postprostatectomy patients (group 2) had a mean RUPP of 77 +/- 14 cm H2O; and incontinent postprostatectomy patients (group 3) had a mean RUPP of 36 +/- 11 cm H2O. The differences were statistically significant (P <0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in RUPP when the patients in groups 2 and 3 were stratified into TURP and RP groups. CONCLUSIONS: PS is a simple and accurate technique for objective evaluation of lower sphincter competence. Patients with stress incontinence after prostatectomy have a statistically significant decrease in RUPP compared with continent controls. In combination with cystourethroscopy and filling CMG, PS can be useful in the evaluation of postprostatectomy incontinence.

A topically applied quaternary ammonium compound exhibits analgesic effects for orthopedic pain.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of a topically applied emulsion of an analgesic ammonium solution for the temporary treatment of pain associated with arthritis, tendinitis and bursitis. DESIGN: 100 subjects in a single center, presenting with chronic pain associated with arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis trialed against placebo in a double-blind cross-over protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures of treatment success include reduction in pain, improvement in clinical and/or mechanical evaluations, and evaluation of local and systemic adverse effects. Analysis was conducted at two weeks, after one week's clearance, and again after two weeks. RESULTS: For chronic neuralgia associated with arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis, the test material had a positive effect at temporary pain reduction. Several subjects also recorded improvements in mechanical evaluations from baseline. Withdrawals due to systemic or local adverse reactions were minimal. CONCLUSION: A topical emulsion of a strong ammonium solution utilizing quaternary ammonium, enhanced with certain penetration enhancers, is effective for temporary relief of pain associated with arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis.

Renal angiomyolipoma: optimal treatment based on size and symptoms.

The natural history of renal angiomyolipoma is not well delineated. Current management options include observation, embolization, and partial or total nephrectomy. Recommendations for treatment are usually based on the patient's symptoms or the size of the lesion. In an effort to help define the optimal treatment of renal angiomyolipomas, we reviewed our experience over the last 10 years with these tumors. We performed a retrospective study of 37 patients (48 renal units) diagnosed with renal angiomyolipoma over a ten year period at our medical center (mean follow-up 40 months, range 1 month-12 years). Lesions were classified as small (< 4 cm), medium (4-8 cm) or large (> 8 cm) based on the single largest lesion in each kidney. The relationship between the size, symptoms and treatment was reviewed. Patients were also analyzed with regard to the diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis. Our findings indicate renal angiomyolipomas less than 4 cm (21/37 patients) tend to be asymptomatic and generally do not require intervention. Angiomyolipomas greater than 8 cm were responsible for significant morbidity and generally require treatment (5/6). Patients with tuberous sclerosis made up one half (3/6) of the large lesions. Medium-sized lesions had a less predictable natural history, with 54% (7/13) requiring intervention to treat hemorrhagic complications. Small asymptomatic lesions (< 4 cm) tend to remain stable but should be periodically evaluated. Medium-sized lesions (4-8 cm) have the most variable behavior. These lesions should be followed closely with serial imaging studies, and if significant changes in size or symptoms are noted, or the patient is at risk for flank trauma, elective intervention should be initiated promptly to increase the chances of renal salvage. Large asymptomatic angiomyolipomas (> 8 cm) will most likely become symptomatic and should be treated electively prior to the development of symptoms and potential complications.

Female Stress Urinary Incontinence Clinical Guidelines Panel summary report on surgical management of female stress urinary incontinence. The American Urological Association.

PURPOSE: The American Urological Association convened the Female Stress Urinary Incontinence Clinical Guidelines Panel to analyze the literature regarding surgical procedures for treating stress urinary incontinence in the otherwise healthy female subject and to make practice recommendations based on the treatment outcomes data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The panel searched the MEDLINE data base for all articles through 1993 on surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. Outcomes data were extracted from articles accepted after panel review. The data were then meta-analyzed to produce outcome estimates for alternative surgical procedures. RESULTS: The data indicate that after 48 months retropubic suspensions and slings appear to be more efficacious than transvaginal suspensions, and also more efficacious than anterior repairs. The literature suggests higher complication rates when synthetic materials are used for slings. CONCLUSIONS: The panel found sufficient acceptable long-term outcomes data (longer than 48 months) to conclude that surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence is effective, offering a long-term cure in a significant percentage of women. The evidence supports surgery as initial therapy and as a secondary form of therapy after failure of other treatments for stress urinary incontinence. Retropubic suspensions and slings are the most efficacious procedures for long-term success (based on cure/dry rates). However, in the panel's opinion retropubic suspensions and sling procedures are associated with slightly higher complication rates, including longer convalescence and postoperative voiding dysfunction.

Renal angiomyolipomas: long-term follow-up of embolization for acute hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if elective, angiographically directed embolization of enlarged renal angiomyolipomas can be used to prevent future hemorrhagic episodes in patients with tuberous sclerosis and thus avoid nephrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records were reviewed for all 5 patients who underwent elective, subtotal embolization of large, symptomatic angiomyolipomas at the authors' institution between 1975 and 1996. RESULTS: All 5 patients had tuberous sclerosis and bilateral renal angiomyolipomas. Initial embolization in these patients was performed in 1975, 1981, 1993 (2 patients) and 1994. In 1 patient only a single embolization session was required. In another, initial embolization on the left side was followed by embolization on the right 13 months later. Two patients underwent 2 sessions, and 1 patient had 4 sessions over a 13-year period. Subtotal embolization with particulate material led to a decrease in size of the most severely affected portion of the kidney. One large angiomyolipoma underwent sterile liquefaction after embolization; percutaneous catheter drainage was required. The embolization allowed subsequent partial nephrectomy in this patient. CONCLUSION: Embolization is effective for the long-term management of renal angiomyolipomas in patients with tuberous sclerosis; in this way nephrectomy and loss of renal function can usually be avoided.