The Use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Radiation-Induced Haemorrhagic Cystitis

Haemorrhagic cystitis is a diffuse inflammatory condition of the bladder leading to bleeding from the bladder mucosa. Severe haemorrhagic cystitis can be caused by radiotherapy, chemotherapy or infection. We report the case of a 58 year old male, who developed haemorrhagic cystitis secondary to previous salvage radiotherapy for prostate cancer. After failing all conservative measures including bladder irrigation, tranexamic acid, and cystoscopic cauterisation, he underwent 48 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This proved efficacious in managing this difficult condition. At 3 month follow up post final hyperbaric treatment, he has had no further episodes of bleeding. Further, we provide a review of current treatment options for hemorrhagic cystitis.