Transcatheter embolization of the dorsal pancreatic artery to control massive postoperative bleeding.

We report a severely traumatized patient who developed massive bleeding through surgical drains in the postoperative period. Superselective dorsal pancreatic arteriography demonstrated extravasation of contrast material in the pancreatic bed. Embolization with Gel-foam particles successfully controlled this severe bleeding. Transcatheter embolization is the procedure of choice for controlling pancreatic bleeding in acutely traumatized patients.