Background: Superselective embolisation has been recognised as integral in the management
of lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage. It has also reduced the need for emergency surgery. The
objective of this case series was to describe the lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage cases seen in our
centre, its diagnosis and the role of superselective embolisation in patient management.
Methods: All patients who underwent superselective embolisation from January 2008 until
April 2009 in our centre were analysed. Data were collected from the hospital electronic medical
records.
Results: Four patients (three males) with a mean age of 81 years were analysed. Multidetector
computerised tomography and digital subtraction angiography were positive in all patients.
Superselective embolisation with platinum microcoils was performed in all patients (n = 4). Technical
success was achieved in all patients (100%).
Conclusion: Superselective embolisation in the treatment of lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage
is safe and effective with a very high technical success rate.
