Complications of Arterial Transcatheter Embolization for Treatment of Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Abstract Transcatheter embolization is an effective minimally invasive treatment for nonvariceal gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage. While many patients with GI bleeding can be treated endoscopically, transcatheter embolization is an important therapy in patients with bleeding refractory to endoscopic management and serves as an alternative to surgery. Despite having lower morbidity than surgical management of GI bleeding, transcatheter embolization has its own set of risks and complications. Moreover, embolization can be performed with a variety of embolic agents, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Knowledge of complications specific to transcatheter embolization is essential for interventional radiologists as well as all physicians involved in managing patients with GI hemorrhage.