Vesical Artery Embolisation in Management of Haematuria due to Radiation-induced Haemorrhagic Cystitis: A Case Report

Abstract

Radiation therapy is often utilised for the treatment of pelvic malignancies. Radiation-induced haemorrhagic cystitis can occur in such patients and may sometimes lead to uncontrolled haematuria. Various treatment modalities for managing this condition include urinary bladder irrigation, cystoscopy-guided procedures, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, fulguration, and other surgical techniques. Transarterial super-selective vesical artery embolisation has emerged as a modern management technique for patients with refractory radiation-induced haemorrhagic cystitis. Hereby, the authors present a case report of a 62-year-old elderly female patient diagnosed with radiation-induced haemorrhagic cystitis, which was refractory to continuous urinary bladder irrigation and medical management. She was successfully treated with super-selective vesical artery embolisation, resulting in complete resolution of haematuria, even on follow-up. This minimally invasive and effective modality can be utilised as a first-line therapy as well as in cases where other treatment options have failed.

Keywords

• cystoscopy
• pelvic malignancies
• urinary bladder irrigation