Renal artery embolisation is sometimes performed before the surgical removal of large and complex kidney tumours. It can be used to induce the death of the tumour by cutting off the blood supply, and helps the surgical removal of the tumour through reducing bleeding during the operation. Moreover, in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) it seems to stimulate tumour-specific antibodies; however, the benefits of these antibodies to the patient are yet to be determined.

The role and benefits of preoperative renal artery embolisation in management of kidney tumours are still unclear. The aim of the current randomised study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of preoperative renal artery embolisation in 30 patients with complex kidney tumours compared to 34 patients who did not have preoperative renal artery embolisation.

In conclusion, the results of the study proved preoperative renal artery embolisation to be a safe procedure with low complications rate. Preoperative renal artery embolisation seems to be a useful tool in the surgical management of patients with large kidney tumours and advanced disease.

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