[Transfemoral cannulation of the renal vessels. Diagnostic and therapeutic use in urology (author's transl)].

Transfemoral cannulation of renal vessels with the Seldinger technique has been used as well as routine angiography in the following urologic indications. 1. Hypothermic in situ perfusion of the kidney in difficult surgical procedures on the renal parenchyma, e.g., multiple stones, stag-horn calculi, benign and malignant tumors in solitary, residual or functionally residual kidneys. The advantages of this method are sufficient time for surgery, no contamination of blood and therefore excellent view by means of complete ischemia and good long-term results of the renal function. 2. Embolization of inoperable renal tumors to reduce tumor growth and control bleeding. The material used for embolization was a modified preparation of homogenized autologous muscle tissue. 3. Occlusion of the renal artery prior to tumor nephrectomy by a flow-guided balloon catheter in order to reduce the difficulty of the surgical produce, e.g., in massive carcinomatous infiltration of the hilus vessels. 4. Retrograde phlebography of the left internal spermatic vein in recurrent or persistent varicocele and in infertility with only insignificant or doubtful varicocele. The advantage compared with orthograde phlebography via plexus pampiniformis is the direct evidence that the venous reflux causes the varicocele. When the technique has been mastered transfemoral cannulation of the renal vessels can be used in routinely in the clinic Critical consideration of the indications, however, is necessary.