Selective therapeutic embolization of renal cell carcinoma in solitary kidneys.

We report 3 cases of renal cell carcinoma in a solitary kidney treated by selective tumor embolization. Embolization resulted in occlusion of the majority of the vascular supply of the tumor, with preservation of normal renal parenchyma and sufficient renal function. Selective tumor embolization is a good therapeutic alternative in patients in whom partial nephrectomy cannot be performed. Owing to the limited availability of bucrylate, absolute ethanol is recommended as the preferred embolic agent.