Successful transcatheter arterial embolization for uretero-inferior epigastric arterial fistula: A rare complication of cutaneous ureterostomy

Abstract

A 70-year-old man presented with pulsatile bleeding upon changing his catheter for cutaneous ureterostomy. He was suspected to have a uretero-arterial fistula. Computed tomography showed an abnormally dilated right inferior epigastric artery, the suspected bleeding source. Angiography revealed a tortuous dilated branch from the inferior epigastric artery. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed with a gelatin sponge and coil. He was discharged 15 days after the procedure. Uretero-arterial fistula is a rare but fatal complication among patients with long-term indwelling ureter catheters. An abnormal inferior epigastric artery surrounding the cutaneous ureterostomy should be considered a rare cause of uretero-arterial fistula.

Keywords

• Uretero-arterial fistula
• Transcatheter arterial embolization
• Cutaneous ureterostomy
• Inferior epigastric artery