The use is reported of percutaneous transrenal embolization for renal artery injury during percutaneous nephrostomy. If a nephrostomy catheter is seen to transfix the renal pelvis, the possibility of injury to a large renal artery must be considered. The misplaced nephrostomy catheter should be withdrawn over a guidewire. Percutaneous renal artery embolization may enable rapid arrest of life threatening haemorrhage.