Percutaneous paraumbilical embolization of bleeding rectal varices due to portal hypertension

Introduction Portal hypertension may lead to severe esophageal or rectal variceal bleeding. Case report We present a case of a 67-year-old patient presenting with recurrent rectal variceal bleeding who was non-responsive to endoscopic treatment. We are reporting on an interventional therapeutic approach found in interdisciplinary consensus. Discussion Endoscopy, surgery or TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) can be performed in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding due to portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis. In cases not suitable for these treatment options, or in cases where these failed to stop the bleeding, radiological percutaneous paraumbilical coil embolization of the portal vein collateral feeding the bleeding could be performed. In our case, as well as in published cases with embolization of jejunal or esophageal hemorrhage, complete stopping of the bleeding could be achieved without further treatment or re-bleeding.