Abstract Moderate or minor haemorrhage following nephrectomy can usually be treated conservatively, particularly when the bleeding is from small branch vessels and not the main renal artery stump. Selective arteriography may therefore be a valuable guide in managing such cases. Theoretical considerations, supported by experimental work, indicate that arteriography is safest and most informative when a large volume of contrast is injected slowly over a long period. This concept is supported by an illustrative case report.