Management of severe chronic radiation cystitis

Chronic radiation cystitis complicating pelvic irradiation can occasionally result in massive bleeding difficult to control with conventional means. Between 1986 and 1989, we managed 42 cases of chronic radiation cystitis of which nine (21%) were of this severe type based on the necessity for repeated cystodiathermy, massive transfusions and open surgical intervention. We found early cystodiathermy and alum bladder irrigation beneficial in early cases, but six (67%) patients required emergency bilateral percutaneous nephrostomies for proximal urinary diversions to help stop the bleeding. Despite aggressive treatment, two patients (22%) died during their admissions and two others (22%) died shortly after discharge. Three patients eventually required elective ileal conduit diversion for their contracted defunctioned bladder. Thus this group of patients suffered relatively high morbidity and mortality for an essentially benign condition. Increased physician awareness and timely percutaneous nephrostomies may improve results.