Transcatheter embolization of small bowel anastomosis: a case report and review of the literature.

A 45-year-old woman underwent exploratory laparotomy for recurrent intra-abdominal abscesses subsequent to a sigmoid resection for diverticulitis. Her postoperative course was complicated by massive hemorrhage from a small bowel anastomosis, which was successfully managed with transcatheter embolization. To our knowledge, this report documents only the second recorded successful embolization of a bleeding small bowel anastomosis. In certain high-risk patients, transcatheter embolization may be considered a useful adjunct in the management of gastrointestinal hemorrhage including anastomotic bleeding.