Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign kidney tumours composed of abnormal blood vessels, muscle and fat. Although AMLs are typically asymptomatic, large AMLs can cause potentially life-threatening internal haemorrhage.

Using imaging guidance, a thin catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin and advanced into the blood vessels supplying the tumour. Tiny particles, coils or other embolic materials are used to block these vessels, reducing the risk of bleeding and causing the tumour to gradually shrink.

Embolisation can treat the tumour while preserving most of the surrounding healthy kidney tissue. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, with follow-up imaging to monitor treatment response.
 

Benefits include:

• Reduced risk of potentially life-threatening kidney haemorrhage

• Rapid control of active bleeding from angiomyolipomas

• Gradual reduction in tumour size

• Preservation of healthy kidney tissue and kidney function

• Avoidance of partial or complete surgical removal of the kidney

• Minimally invasive treatment without open surgery

• Usually no general anaesthesia

• Short hospital stay and rapid recovery

• Can be repeated if necessary for recurrent or persistent tumour vascularity