Doctors first try to treat blood clots with a thrombolytic medication to break down blood clots, such as streptokinase or urokinase. If this doesn't work, surgery to remove the clot or the kidney may be needed. The most common problems include persistent bleeding or an infection at the site of access in the groin artery. Kidney damage can occur, but is rare. Aside from the usual problems in surgery, such as wound infections and pneumonia , renal artery surgery can cause bleeding or clotting of the operated artery.
Thrombolytic medications can cause bleeding, as well as local groin artery problems.
This varies depending on the treatment, but most patients will be able to resume their normal activities shortly after any procedure or surgery. Follow-up instructions will be provided. After treatment, control of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes is required if these are present. Exercising and eating a healthy diet, and stopping smoking, are also important. Monitoring of these conditions is done in all patients and specific additional monitoring depends on the treatment used and individual patient circumstances.