Superselective embolization of bilateral inferior vesical arteries for the management of radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis refractory to conventional methods

Abstract

Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) following radiation therapy of pelvic malignancy is a serious and sometimes life-threatening complication. Various methods including bladder irrigation, fulguration, intravesical instillation, oral or systemic agents, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and surgical methods have been proposed to control hematuria. However, there is no consensus on the optimal therapeutic strategy for radiation-induced HC. We recently performed superselective embolization of the bilateral inferior vesical arteries in a patient with radiation-induced HC refractory to conventional treatment methods. This technique is effective for achieving the control of refractory hemorrhage and can be considered an option for the treatment of radiation-induced HC.