One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of temporarily embolizing a blood vessel using a hydrolytically degradable crosslinked hydrogel as an embolus. In certain embodiments, the hydrolytically degradable crosslinked hydrogel substantially hydrolyzes only at about physiological pH. In certain embodiments of the method, the hydrolytically degradable crosslinked hydrogel is stable at low pH. In certain embodiments of the method, the hydrolytically degradable crosslinked hydrogel comprises a marker molecule, such as a dye, radiopaque, or an MRI-visible compound. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.