The cost burden of radiation cystitis presentations and investigations

Radiation cystitis is a well-known complication resulting from radiotherapy for pelvic malignancies. It remains a challenging condition to treat and is associated with significant morbidity for patients. We aimed to establish the economic cost burden of presentations and investigations associated with radiation cystitis over a two-year period to a tertiary referral hospital in Ireland.

A retrospective review of patient charts was performed for radiation cystitis-related presentations and investigations over 24 months. Costs were estimated in consultation with the hospital finance department and using Health Service Executive data on diagnostic-related groups and average inpatient bed day costs.

A total of 56 individual patients were identified over 2 years. 91% male, 9% female. The mean age was 72 years. Twenty-three patients (41%) required inpatient care. Radiation cystitis accounted for 621 inpatient bed days. Median length of stay was 7.5 days. The inpatient care cost was approximately €545,238 (801,908 Canadian dollars (CA$)) over 2 years.

Radiation cystitis accounts for a significant amount of inpatient bed days. A conservative estimate of the overall cost burden for inpatient care and outpatient investigations exceeds €280,000 (CA$411,810) per year.