Localized ureteral fibrosis: an unrecognized complication of radiation therapy for prostatic carcinoma

Complications of radiation therapy for prostatic carcinoma are frequent but usually minor. A patient is described in whom localized ureteral fibrosis developed following curative radiation therapy, which subsequently required a reconstructive operation. An analogous situation regarding patients with carcinoma of the cervix is examined and possible etiologies are discussed. This complication should be recognized so that proper management can be instituted.