Blood in urine is not “normal,” not “heat,” and definitely not something to wait out like a seasonal fever. Many Indians think hematuria magically disappears with coconut water and rest, until it turns into kidney failure or life-threatening bleeding.
Hematuria (blood in urine) is a serious medical condition that deserves immediate medical evaluation. It can occur due to stones, infections, tumors, trauma, or vascular abnormalities inside the urinary tract. Ignoring it doesn’t make it “go away”, it only allows the underlying issue to worsen.
With the advancement of modern medicine, minimally invasive procedures are now transforming hematuria treatment, offering high precision, less pain, and quick recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Interventional Radiology (IR), especially Renal Artery Embolization, is emerging as a game-changer for patients requiring fast and effective bleeding control.
Understanding Hematuria
Hematuria is the medical term for blood in urine, which can appear in two forms:
Types of Hematuria
| Type | Description |
| Gross Hematuria | Visible blood in urine, pink, red, or cola-colored |
| Microscopic Hematuria | Blood detected only through laboratory testing |
Common Causes
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infections
- Enlarged prostate (BPH)
- Kidney or bladder tumors
- Injury or trauma
- Vascular abnormalities
Why Early Hematuria Treatment Matters
Untreated hematuria can lead to:
- Severe kidney damage
- Recurrent bleeding episodes
- Frequent infections
- Loss of kidney function
- Emergency hospitalisation due to internal bleeding
Early diagnosis using ultrasound, CT scan, urine test, and endoscopy helps identify the root cause and ensures timely treatment.
Top Minimally Invasive Procedures for Effective Hematuria Treatment
Cystoscopy
- A thin scope is inserted into the bladder to identify bleeding points, tumors, or infection-related lesions
- Doctors can diagnose and treat simultaneously
- Small bleeding areas can be cauterized immediately
Ureteroscopy
- Ideal for hematuria caused by kidney or ureteric stones
- A tiny camera enters the ureter to locate stones
- Laser lithotripsy is performed to break or remove stones
- Quick recovery and no external cuts
Percutaneous Nephrostomy (PCN)
- A tube is placed through the skin into the kidney under imaging guidance
- Helps in cases of:
- Severe hydronephrosis
- Blocked urinary flow
- Bleeding due to pressure buildup
- Provides relief and protects kidney function
Laser Lithotripsy
- Laser energy breaks the stones inside the kidney or ureter
- Minimally invasive, safe, and effective for recurrent stone-related bleeding
- Useful for patients who want fast recovery and minimal downtime
Image-Guided Renal Biopsy
- Needed when hematuria persists without identified cause
- Helps diagnose:
- Glomerular diseases
- Kidney inflammation
- Autoimmune disorders
- High accuracy + guided sample collection ensures quick diagnosis
Renal Artery Embolization: The Leading Interventional Radiology Solution
While many treatments help control hematuria, Renal Artery Embolization stands at the top when bleeding is severe or unexplained.
What Is Renal Artery Embolization?
A minimally invasive Interventional Radiology procedure that blocks the bleeding artery inside the kidney, without removing the kidney.
It is used for:
- Traumatic kidney injury
- Tumors causing bleeding
- Vascular malformations
- Severe or recurrent hematuria
How the Procedure Works
- A catheter is inserted through the groin or wrist
- It is guided to the bleeding artery using real-time imaging
- Embolic materials (coils, glue, particles) are released to block the vessel
- Bleeding stops almost immediately
When Doctors Recommend This Procedure
- Hematuria requiring urgent care
- Bleeding due to angiomyolipoma
- Post-surgical bleeding from kidney or urinary tract
- Renal vascular trauma
- Failed response to conventional therapy
Benefits of Renal Artery Embolization
- Rapid bleeding control
- Kidney-saving procedure
- Very short recovery time
- High success rate even in complex medical situations
- Ideal alternative for patients who are not fit for major surgery
How Doctors Choose the Right Minimally Invasive Hematuria Treatment
Every patient is different, and so is the source of bleeding. Doctors determine the right solution with:
- Imaging tests: CT, MRI, Ultrasound
- Urine and blood investigations
- Medical history and underlying conditions
- Collaboration between urologists and interventional radiologists for best outcomes
The goal is always the same, stop bleeding, prevent damage, and protect kidney function.
Recovery & Aftercare
After a minimally invasive hematuria treatment:
Patients may experience:
- Mild pain or discomfort for a short time
- Fatigue due to previous blood loss
Patients are advised to:
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid smoking and heavy lifting temporarily
- Attend follow-up appointments for monitoring
- Adhere to medication guidelines
Prevention tips:
- Treat urinary infections early
- Drink more water in hot climates (especially in Indian summers)
- Limit salt and soda intake to reduce kidney stone risk
- Avoid self-medicating painkillers that can harm kidneys
Conclusion
Minimally invasive procedures are revolutionizing Hematuria Treatment, giving patients safer, faster, and more effective solutions than traditional open surgery. Among them, Renal Artery Embolization stands out as the gold-standard for stopping severe kidney bleeding while preserving kidney function.
Delaying treatment is risky, early diagnosis and the right medical intervention protect long-term urinary and kidney health. If there’s blood in the urine, immediate evaluation isn’t optional, it’s life-saving.
FAQs
1. What is the best treatment for hematuria?
The best treatment for hematuria depends on the underlying cause. Kidney stones may need lithotripsy, infections require antibiotics, an enlarged prostate needs medication, and severe bleeding may need interventional procedures like renal artery embolization. The key is timely diagnosis to determine and treat the exact source of bleeding.
2. Is hematuria a serious disease?
Hematuria itself is a symptom, not a disease — but it can signal serious problems. It may indicate kidney stones, infections, tumors, trauma, or dangerous vascular issues. Ignoring blood in urine can lead to kidney damage or life-threatening complications. Immediate medical evaluation is essential and never optional.
3. Does drinking water stop hematuria?
Drinking water helps maintain kidney health and may ease mild bleeding caused by dehydration or tiny kidney stones, but it does not cure hematuria. If the bleeding is due to infection, tumors, vascular issues, or injury, only proper medical treatment will stop it. Water supports recovery — it isn’t a substitute for diagnosis.
4. What is the best antibiotic for hematuria?
There is no single “best” antibiotic for hematuria because treatment depends on the specific infection responsible. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics like nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, or ciprofloxacin only after urine culture tests identify the bacteria. Taking random antibiotics can worsen resistance and delay proper care — testing first is crucial.