A new minimally invasive technique for treating radiation cystitis: the argon-beam coagulator.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of the argon-beam coagulator used endoscopically for treating radiation cystitis, as radiotherapy is commonly used for treating pelvic tumours of urological origin, but intractable bleeding related to radiation cystitis remains a serious complication and requires a difficult long-term follow-up, for which cystoscopic methods of management have traditionally had limited success.


METHODS
We assessed seven patients with radiation cystitis; they were treated with argon-beam coagulation after a cystoscopic evaluation.


RESULTS
With a mean follow-up of 15 months, one treatment was used in six patients, with a second treatment required in one.


CONCLUSIONS
The argon-beam coagulator appears to be a safe, well tolerated and minimally invasive treatment in patients with radiation cystitis.
Wines
Michael P
MP
Department of Urology, St George Public Hospital, Kogarah, NSW, Australia. mwines@tpg.com.au
Lynch
William D
WD
D001128:Argon; D003556:Cystitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D020684:Cystoscopes; D003558:Cystoscopy / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008028:Light Coagulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001128:Argon