Radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis-possible treatment options!

Radiation- induced hemorrhagic cystitis is a late-onset complication of radiation therapy of the pelvis with an incidence rate of approximately 5-10%. The severity of hematuria can vary frommild hematuria to more severe bleeding with clot formation and urinary retention to intractable life-threatening bleeding when blood transfusions fail to keep pace with blood loss. Management of radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis is based on the presenting symptoms after ruling out urinary tract infection or a tumor. In cases with mild or moderate gross hematuria, hydration can be sufficient to prevent clot formation. In emergency cases, evacuation of clots and continuous bladder irrigation with isotonic saline is required, and in cases with persistent bleeding, transurethral fulguration is also required. Unfortunately, radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis can lead to persistent or intermittent hematuria. In these cases, intravesical instillation of astringent agents or hyperbaric oxygen therapy can alleviate symptoms. In emergency cases, transarterial embolization or surgical ligation of vesical arteries may be necessary. In rare refractory cases, urinary diversion with or without cystectomy should be performed.