Therapeutic transcatheter arterial embolization in the management of intractable haemorrhage from pelvic urological malignancies: preliminary experience and long-term follow-up

Prostate artery embolization as an effective treatment for clinically significant prostate cancer‑related hemorrhage: A case report

A 79-year old Caucasian male with metastatic hormone refractory prostate cancer and bilateral nephrostomy was admitted to the emergency department due to 4-day bloody urethral discharge, weakness and dizziness. The patient was treated with the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-antagonist and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone, dabigatran 150 mg bid (for atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease) and 5-aminosalicylic acid for the management of mild ulcerative colitis. Imaging revealed bladder overdistention and blood analysis low levels of hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin (HGB) (HCT, 22%; HGB, 7.1 gr/dl). A 22F, 3-way urethral catheter was placed, and blood clots were removed with a syringe. Continuous normal saline irrigation was initiated, and the dabigatran was withdrawn; however, no evidence of control of blood loss was shown. Computed tomography and urography revealed a large prostate lesion invading the bladder neck, a pelvic lymph-node block and lack of blood extravasation. Diagnostic urethrocystoscopy revealed diffuse hematuria from the prostate lesion and bladder neck. Bipolar coagulation was performed in the absence of any significant improvement. Upon withdrawal of intravesical irrigation, the oral consumption of a large water volume (a useful measure to control hematuria and avoid clot formation) could not be applied to the patient due to urine storage and normal voiding being not feasible. Subsequently, the patient was informed on the option of superselective arterial embolization (SAE). Following signing of the relevant consent form, the patient underwent bilateral SAE of prostatic and inferior cystic arteries, while he was in heparin delivery. Dabigatran was re-administered on the 5th postprocedural day and the catheter was removed following 5 days. Following a 4-month follow-up, the patient's condition was stable with no traceable hematuria. In conclusion, the minimal invasiveness of SAE is an attractive option, notably in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. It appears to be a safe alternative with an acceptable rate of minor complications. The encouraging results and the survival outcomes warrant further evaluation with comparative prospective multicenter studies.

Super-Selective Trans-Catheter Arterial Embolization (TAE) of the Vesical Arteries in the Management of Intractable Hematuria Secondary to Advanced Bladder and Prostate Cancers

This article was previously presented as an abstract at the 18th UAA Congress, Seoul, October 15-17, 2020, and the abstract was published in The International Journal of Urology. It was also presented as an e-poster at the 2021 BAUS Annual Meeting on June 22, 2021. Introduction In frail patients intractable hematuria secondary to advanced pelvic malignancies is a clinical challenge. Super-selective TAE of the vesical arteries is a suitable minimally invasive option. We present our experience in this patient cohort. Patients and methods All patients who underwent TAE from January 2014 to December 2019 were included. Super-selective TAE of the superior and inferior vesical arteries was done using 300-500µ polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles. Demographic data, cancer stage, associated urinary system obstruction, pre-embolization palliative treatment, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were recorded. Technical and clinical success, time to cessation of hematuria, recurrence of hematuria, and complications were recorded. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation, and statistical significance is set at p<0.05. Results From 2014 to 2019, seven patients underwent eight procedures. The average patient's age was 60.6±10.3 years. All presented with gross hematuria, six due to locally advanced and/or metastatic bladder cancer, and one due to prostate cancer. The average time of hematuria clearance was 60 hours. The average hemoglobin levels at the time of the procedure, one month, and six months post-embolization were 9.6±1.7 g/dL, 10.6±1.5 g/dL (p<0.05), and 9.6±0.9 g/dL, respectively (p>0.05). Packed red blood cell (PRBC) requirements decreased from 7±2 units to 5±3 units after the procedure (p >0.05). The patients were followed up for an average of 13.6 months and four had a recurrence at an average of four months post-embolization. Conclusion Super-selective TAE is an effective palliative method in controlling intractable hematuria. The risks of major surgery and anesthesia are omitted, and the procedure can be repeated as needed. Furthermore, post-embolization complications, using this technique, are minor and manageable.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE) of Cancer-Related Bleeding

Background and Objectives: Roughly 10% of cancer patients experience an episode of bleeding. The bleeding severity can range from occasional trivial bleeds to major bleeding. The treatment for the bleeding may vary, depending on the clinical condition and anatomical site, and may include various strategies, among which TAE is a cornerstone of major bleeding management. However, the existing literature on tumor hemorrhages is inconsistent. The objective of this multicenter retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of arterial embolization in the treatment of tumor hemorrhages in patients with solid cancers. Materials and Methods: The data for patients with solid cancers undergoing TAE for the management of tumor hemorrhages from January 2020 to May 2023 were gathered. Results: A total of 92 patients with cancer-related bleeding were treated between January 2020 and May 2023. No bleeding was detected by X-ray angiography (XA) in 12 (13%) cases; therefore, a blind embolization was performed. The most common bleeding site was the liver (21.7%). A total of 66 tumor hemorrhages were spontaneous. The most commonly used embolic agent was polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles (30.4%). Technical success was achieved in 82 (89.1%) cases, with an 84.8% clinical success rate related to 14 cases of rebleeding. Proximal embolization was performed for 19 (20.7%) patients. Complications were recorded for 10 (10.9%) patients. The 30-day bleeding-related mortality was 15.2%. The technical success, clinical success, proximal embolization rate, and 30-day rebleeding were worse in the subset of patients undergoing TAE with coils. Conclusions: Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) represents a viable and potentially life-saving therapeutic approach in the management of tumor hemorrhages, demonstrating a notable effectiveness and safety. The TAE of bleeding tumors using coils resulted in a higher rate of non-superselective proximal embolization, with a trend toward lower clinical success rates and higher rebleeding episodes.

Super-selective transcatheter vesical arterial chemoembolization with drug-loaded beads for muscle-invasive bladder cancer with hematuria

PURPOSE

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of super-selective transcatheter vesical arterial chemoembolization with epirubicin-loaded CalliSpheres® beads (DEB-TACE) for treating muscle-invasive bladder cancer with hematuria.

METHODS

We reviewed the retrospective records of 20 muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients with hematuria who were treated with super-selective transcatheter vesical arterial by oxaliplatin and 100-300-μm CalliSpheres loaded with epirubicin. The primary outcomes were the technical and clinical success rates. The secondary outcomes were complications, treatment responses, quality of life (QOL), median overall survival, and 1- and 2-year survival rates. QOL was routinely assessed by nurses at admission and during telephone follow-up 4 weeks after discharge.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 80.0% (16/20). Bleeding was controlled after the first embolization in 18/20 patients and after re-embolization within 7 days of the first embolization in the remaining two patients. The clinical success rate was 90% (18/20). After 4 weeks of follow-up, the mean hematocrit and hemoglobin levels improved significantly (P < 0.05). Four patients (20.0%) showed hematuria recurrence during a 4-8-month follow-up period. There were no severe complications, such as necrosis of the bladder, genitals, perineal skin, or procedure-related deaths. The complete response, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease frequencies were 5.0%, 55.0%, 25.0%, and 15.0%, respectively, resulting in an objective response rate of 60.0% and a disease control rate of 85.0% after 1 month. 4 weeks after embolization, QOL was significantly higher than that pre-operation, except for social/family status (P < 0.05). The median overall survival was 18.5 months, and the 1- and 2-year survival rates were 75.0% and 46.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

DEB-TACE is safe and effective for treating muscle-invasive bladder cancer with hematuria, preserving bladder function and improving the QOL.

Emergency holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP): a novel approach in the management of refractory hematuria for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): a single-institution experience

INTRODUCTION

Refractory hematuria secondary to prostatic disease typically resolves with conservative management; however, this condition may require hospitalization with extensive measures to control life-threatening bleeding. The aim of this study was to report our experience using holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) as an emergency treatment in this clinical setting.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients that presented to the emergency department with refractory hematuria of prostatic origin from October 2017 to September 2021, for whom hospitalization and conservative management failed to control bleeding. All emergency HoLEP procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Preoperative and intraoperative parameters, as well as perioperative outcomes, were collected and analyzed. Postoperative outcomes included duration of foley catheterization, length of postoperative hospital stay, and hospital readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 40 emergency HoLEP procedures were performed. Our cohort had a median prostate volume of 110.5 cc and a median resected weight of 81 g. Twenty-seven patients (67.5%) were on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications on admission. The urethral catheter was removed within 1 day in 95% of patients with a successful trial of void (TOV). Moreover, 92.5% of patients were discharged home within 24 h of their procedure. Two patients (5%) experienced clot retention within one-week post-discharge with a 2.5% overall readmission rate. All postoperative parameters, including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and post-void residual volume (PVR), showed significant improvement at 1 year follow up.

CONCLUSION

Our experience demonstrates that emergency HoLEP is an effective treatment option for patients with refractory hematuria of prostatic origin. Further studies are warranted to consolidate our results.

Robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy after prostatic arterial embolization for large benign prostate hyperplasia: Initial experience

Background and objective

We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) after prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) in large benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Material and methods

This retrospective study included 11 cases of PAE and subsequent RASP, performed on 11 patients with BPH from March 2018 to September 2020. Clinical information on the patients was collected before surgery and 3 months after surgery. For the quantification of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSSs), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, urinary peak flow rate (Qmax), voided volume (Vvol), and postvoid residual volume (PVR) were measured.

Results

PAE and the subsequent RASP were successfully performed in all 11 patients. The mean total prostate volume was 129.7 ± 65.1 mL, and the transitional zone volume was 71.7 ± 5.9 mL. The mean resected prostate volume was 60.8 ± 26.1 mL. The mean hemoglobin level of the patients prior to PAE was 14.2 ± 2.3 g/dL, and one day after RASP, the hemoglobin level was 12.4 ± 1.9 g/dL. The outcome indicated that there was a considerable decline in IPSS and PVR after RASP was performed compared to before PAE (21.6 ± 9.4 vs. 10.6 ± 8.0 and 159.4 ± 145.8 mL vs. 43.9 ± 45.9 mL). Qmax and Vvol significantly improved after RASP was performed (7.6 ± 5.2 mL/s vs. 26.1 ± 12.6 mL/s; 114.2 ± 92.5 mL vs. 192.4 ± 91.8 mL, respectively).

Conclusion

This research demonstrated that RASP could be performed safely and effectively after PAE in patients with large BPH.

Superselective vesical artery embolization versus intravesical formalin for intractable hematuria in patients with bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

Intractable hematuria is a leading critical problem occurring in patients with advanced stage bladder cancer (BCa) that are not suitable for radical cystectomy. The present study, for the first time in the literature, aimed to compare the effectiveness of intravesical formalin (IF) and superselective vesical artery embolization (SVAE) in the management of intractable and life-threatening hematuria in BCa patients.

METHODS

The retrospective study included 40 BCa patients who underwent SVAE or IF treatment due to intractable hematuria after failure of other methods. Patients were divided into two groups based on the procedures administered: SVEA Group (n = 24) and IF Group (n = 16).

RESULTS

The success rate at first-line therapy was 50% (12/24) in SVAE Group and 82% (13/16) in IF Group (p = 0.046). Based on the success rates at first- and second-line therapies, the overall success rate in SVAE Group was 75% and this rate was similar to that of IF Group (p = 0.439). Complication rate was significantly higher in IF patients than in SVAE patients (37.5% vs. 8.3; p = 0.024), whereas duration of postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in SVAE Group (15.8 vs. 6 days; p = 0.041).

CONCLUSION

The advantages of IF appear to include shorter postoperative hospital stays and higher success rates at a single session, while the advantages of SVAE seem to include non-requirement of spinal/general anesthesia, easy repeatability, and low complication rates. In the management of patients with intractable hematuria, patients' general condition, comorbidities, and anesthesia-related risks should be taken into consideration.

Superselective vesical artery embolization for intractable bladder hemorrhage related to pelvic malignancy

BACKGROUND

Intractable bladder hemorrhage from pelvic malignancy can be potentially life-threatening and its management can be a challenging clinical problem.

PURPOSE

To evaluate safety, efficacy, and clinical outcome of superselective vesical artery embolization for the control of intractable bladder hemorrhage from pelvic malignancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between January 2010 and September 2018, 20 patients underwent superselective vesical artery embolization for intractable hematuria secondary to pelvic malignancy arising from or invading the bladder. Treatment details and clinical outcomes were obtained.

RESULTS

There were 12 men and 8 women (mean age = 77 years). Bilateral embolization was performed in 10 patients and unilateral approach in 10 patients. Two patients died within four days after embolization due to underlying heart failure and systemic metastasis, respectively. The remaining 18 patients had a follow-up of >30 days. Bleeding was controlled after the first embolization in 17/18 patients and after a repeat embolization in the remaining one patient. The mean follow-up period of 18 patients was 10.6 months (range = 1-77 months). Late recurrent hemorrhage (≥ 30 days after embolization) was reported in 6 (33.3%) patients. Five of these six patients underwent repeat embolization. There were no major complications related to embolization.

CONCLUSION

Palliative superselective vesical artery embolization is a feasible, effective, and safe procedure to control intractable hematuria in patients with pelvic malignancy.

Medical uses for phenol in the urinary tract: A possible forgotten treatment (Review)

Phenol is a chemical compound that was first used medically as an antiseptic. At low concentrations, phenol exerts local anesthetic effects achieved through denervation; at high concentrations, it exerts a potent protein-denaturing effect that induces apoptosis. Phenol injection therapy has a long history of use in urology. It is reportedly effective for hemorrhagic cystitis, benign prostate hyperplasia, overactive bladder, hydrocele, bladder tumors, interstitial cystitis and other benign urologic diseases, and it is also used as a tool to decrease bleeding during prostate surgery. The present review article summarizes the medical applications of phenol in urological field. The articles available on the medical uses of phenol are primarily older and retrospective, involving small numbers of patients. In the absence of comparative studies with other treatments, it is impossible to determine the relative benefit of phenol. However, the treatment outcomes of phenol injection are fairly well-established. Phenol therapy may be an option for patients who are poor candidates for invasive treatment. Further studies are required, however, as are improvements in the injection technique to reduce the rate of complications.

Superselective vesical artery embolization versus intravesical formalin for intractable hematuria in patients with bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

Intractable hematuria is a leading critical problem occurring in patients with advanced stage bladder cancer (BCa) that are not suitable for radical cystectomy. The present study, for the first time in the literature, aimed to compare the effectiveness of intravesical formalin (IF) and superselective vesical artery embolization (SVAE) in the management of intractable and life-threatening hematuria in BCa patients.

METHODS

The retrospective study included 40 BCa patients who underwent SVAE or IF treatment due to intractable hematuria after failure of other methods. Patients were divided into two groups based on the procedures administered: SVEA Group (n=24) and IF Group (n=16).

RESULTS

The success rate at first-line therapy was 50% (12/24) in SVAE Group and 82% (13/16) in IF Group (p=0.046). Based on the success rates at first- and second-line therapies, the overall success rate in SVAE Group was 75% and this rate was similar to that of IF Group (p=0.439). Complication rate was significantly higher in IF patients than in SVAE patients (37.5% vs. 8.3; p=0.024), whereas duration of postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in SVAE Group (15.8 vs. 6 days; p=0.041).

CONCLUSION

The advantages of IF appear to include shorter postoperative hospital stays and higher success rates at a single session, while the advantages of SVAE seem to include non-requirement of spinal/general anesthesia, easy repeatability, and low complication rates. In the management of patients with intractable hematuria, patients' general condition, comorbidities, and anesthesia-related risks should be taken into consideration.

Endovascular Interventional Radiology of the Urogenital Tract

Interventional radiology of the male urogenital system includes percutaneous and endovascular procedures, and these last consist mostly of transcatheter arterial embolizations. At the kidney level, arterial embolizations are performed mainly for palliative treatment of parenchymal tumors, for renal traumas and, less frequently, for arteriovenous fistulas and renal aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms. These latter may often require emergency intervention as they can cause renal or peri-renal hematomas or significant hematuria. Transcatheter arterial embolization is also an effective therapy for intractable severe bladder hematuria secondary to a number of neoplastic and inflammatory conditions in the pelvis, including unresectable bladder cancer and radiation-induced or cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. Endovascular interventional procedures for the penis are indicated for the treatment of post-traumatic priapism. In this article, we review the main endovascular radiological interventions of the male urogenital system, describing the technical aspects, results, and complications of each procedure at the various anatomical districts.

Superselective Vesical Artery Embolization for Intractable Hemorrhagic Cystitis Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Single-Center Retrospective Study in 26 Patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of superselective vesical artery embolization (SVAE) in the treatment of intractable hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

METHODS

From January 2010 to December 2018, 26 patients with hematologic malignancy who underwent SVAE for treatment of intractable HC following HSCT were retrospectively reviewed. SVAE was performed with 300-500 μm gelatin-sponge particles initially. Technical success was defined as achieving bilateral SVAE for all the prominent vesical arteries. Therapeutic efficacy was defined as: Complete response (CR): macroscopic hematuria completely disappeared on more than 2 consecutive days after SVAE; Partial response (PR): macroscopic hematuria reduced after SVAE or briefly disappeared after SVAE but reappeared soon within 2 days; No response: no response to SVAE or hematuria aggravated after SVAE; Recurrence: macroscopic hematuria relapsed on follow-up after achieving an initial CR. Adverse events were also registered.

RESULTS

There was a mean follow-up of 11.4 months (range, 0.5-83.7). The mean interval for the onset of HC after HSCT was 39.7 ± 19.0 days, and mean duration of hematuria before embolization was 14.9 ± 15.7 days. SVAE was technically successful in all patients. After embolization, macroscopic hematuria regressed within 48 h for all patients. The mean urine erythrocyte counts dropped from 14,213.2 ± 20,999.0/uL before SVAE to 6072.9 ± 12,720.7/uL on 3d after SVAE (P = 0.002) and 3720.2 ± 8988.9/uL on 7 d after SVAE (P = 0.001), respectively. Hematuria completely disappeared prior to discharge in 23 (88.5%) patients (including 20 with one embolization and 3 with 2 embolizations) and remainder 3 patients had PR. No major procedure-related complications were noted, except for post-embolization syndrome in 8 patients, which resolved with symptomatic treatment. On follow-up monthly, hematuria recurrence was seen in 4/23 patients (17.4%) and was managed conservatively in 2 patients and with repeat embolization in the remainder 2 patients.

CONCLUSION

For fragile patients with hematologic malignancy, SVAE is safe and effective to treat HC following HSCT, even though repeat embolization may be required to achieve a sustained complete remission of the hematuria.

The application of prostate artery embolization in the management of intractable prostate bleeding

Introduction

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting European men. Sequelae of the advanced malignancy require invasive procedures which may not be eligible especially for old, debilitated patients. The aim of this manuscript is to review the outcomes of prostate artery embolization in the management of refractory bleeding.

Material and methods

A PubMed database search was done for all English language articles on prostate artery embolization in prostate cancer, published between 2003 and 2019. For current review, information related to number, age of the patients, aetiology of the hematuria, bilateral or unilateral procedure, type of embolic material, technical and clinical success, complications, recurrent hematuria, hematocrit and hemoglobin levels were analyzed.

Results

A total of 10 original full-text comparative and non-comparative (case series) studies were reviewed. Minor complications described in the literature ranged from 10–50%. After prostate artery embolization, the recurrence of the haematuria occurred in 10–57% of the patients. Moreover, prostate artery embolization successfully treated lower urinary tract symptoms and urinary retention in prostate cancer patients.

Conclusions

The procedure appears safe, burdened with low risk of complications and accomplishes technical and clinical success. It is a promising option for patients with hemorrhage, but due to the scarcity of data further investigations are needed.

Transarterial Embolization in the Management of Intractable Haemorrhage

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and long-term results of selective transarterial iliac embolization (STIE) in patients with intractable bladder haemorrhage (IBH).

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with a median age of 84 (range 65-94) years underwent STIE because of IBH between 2002 and 2020. The median follow-up time was 3 (mean 13.9) months. Patients were treated because of bleeding bladder or prostate cancer, radiation-induced haemorrhagic cystitis, and other conditions. Success was defined as technical success (feasibility to embolize bilateral hypogastric arteries or neoplastic arteries) and as clinical success (absence of further or additional therapy).

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients with a median age of 84 years with a median hospital stay of 7 days were embolized at our institution. In total, 60% required additional therapy. Only 20% had minor complications, but no complication major was seen; 60% needed an additional therapy because of continuous bleeding. Our 30-day, 90-day, 6-month, and 12-month mortality rates were 28, 44, 64, and 76%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

STIE in IBH is a safe, well-tolerated, and feasible procedure for palliating haematuria patients in poor general condition. Major complications are very rarely seen. However, patients often need additional therapy after STIE.

Transcatheter arterial embolization for intractable, nontraumatic bladder hemorrhage in cancer patients: a single-center experience and systematic review

PURPOSE

To explore the effect of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in controlling intractable, nontraumatic bladder hemorrhage in cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review (PubMed and EMBASE), followed by a retrospective analysis of all cancer patients with intractable hematuria from bladder treated by TAE at our tertiary referral center.

RESULTS

At our institution, 27 consecutive cancer patients who underwent TAE for refractory hematuria from bladder were identified. The systematic review included 13 studies published between 1981 and 2019. In our local cohort, 27 patients were treated with 100% technical success, clinical success in 88.9%, no major complications, and rebleeding rate within the first month of 7.4%. In the systematic review cohort of 201 patients, there was technical success in 99.0%, clinical success in 80.9%, major complications in 5.5%, and a rebleeding rate within the first month of 4.5%. Bilateral embolization was performed in 81.1%, and embolization levels were mostly anterior division of internal iliac artery (73.7%) and vesical artery (23.2%).

CONCLUSION

TAE is effective and safe to control intractable hematuria from bladder origin in cancer patients after failure of conservative management, providing effective temporary hemostasis. For bladder hemorrhage unsuitable for surgery, TAE should be considered at an early stage. A literature review, followed by retrospective analysis of all patients with intractable hematuria from bladder treated by transcatheter arterial embolization at our tertiary referral center. Transcatheter arterial embolization is effective and safe to control intractable hematuria from bladder. The major complication rate and rebleeding within the first month are acceptable.

Endovascular Management of Radiation-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis

Radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is an unpleasant and sometimes life-threatening complication confronted while treating pelvic malignancies. A wide array of treatment modalities such as bladder irrigation, fulguration, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and surgical methods has been proposed to treat hematuria, but there is no consensus on the optimal therapeutic strategy for the same. Reported here is a successful superselective embolization of the bilateral vesical arteries in a patient with refractory radiation-induced HC. This technique proved to be effective in controlling intractable hemorrhage and can be considered an option for the treatment of HC not amenable to conventional techniques.

Treatment Recommendations for Urological Symptoms in Cancer Patients: Clinical Guidelines from the Japanese Society for Palliative Medicine

BACKGROUND

Urological symptoms such as gross hematuria, lower and upper urinary tract symptoms, and bladder pain are common in and distressing for patients with advanced cancer. Although palliation of urological symptoms is important to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families and caregivers, clinical guidelines for managing urological symptoms in patients with cancer have not been published.

METHODS

Following the formal guideline development process, the Japanese Society for Palliative Medicine (JSPM) developed comprehensive clinical guidelines for the management of urological symptoms in patients with cancer.

RESULTS

This article summarizes the recommendations and their rationales and provides a short summary of the development process of the JSPM urological symptom management guidelines. We established five recommendations, all of which were based on the best available evidence and expert consensus.

CONCLUSION

JSPM released the first edition of the "Clinical Guidelines for Urological Symptoms in Cancer Patients." Future clinical research and continuous guideline updates are required to improve the quality of managing urological symptoms in patients with cancer.

Selective embolisation for intractable bladder haemorrhages: A systematic review of the literature

Objective

To establish the current evidence and assess the effectiveness and safety of selective transarterial embolisation (STE) to control intractable bladder haemorrhage (IBH).

Materials and methods

With a rise in the use of STE for the treatment of IBH, a systematic review was performed according to the Cochrane reviews guidelines and in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist.

Results

The literature search yielded 38 studies, of which 11 were excluded because of irrelevance of data. All included studies were observational cohort studies, with no randomisation or control groups apart from in relation to the materials used for embolisation. The studies were published between 1978 and 2016. There were 295 patients with an age range between 51 and 95 years. The success rate ranged from 43% up to 100%. The most reported complication was post-embolisation syndrome, although other complications were described such as mild transient gluteal claudication, nausea, and vomiting.

Conclusion

STE of the internal iliac artery is a safe and effective alternative technique to control severe IBH, and has been successfully applied over many years to treat bladder haemorrhage associated with terminal pelvic malignancy.

Palliative Embolization for Refractory Bleeding

Bleeding is a common and often challenging complication of malignancy. Etiologies of hemorrhage in this patient population vary, and bleeding may present as an acute, life-threatening emergency or a chronic, low-volume blood loss. For patients with advanced malignancies, interventions to manage bleeding must be balanced by the patient's life expectancy and quality of life. As such, minimally invasive procedures such as transarterial embolization are useful therapeutic options in appropriately selected patients. There is a rich history of palliative transarterial embolization for refractory bleeding in cancer patients. This technique was first applied in the 1970s and has since become an established treatment tool for malignancy-related bleeding throughout the body. While the preponderance of published data comprised case reports and small retrospective studies, the use of embolization continues to expand as experience grows and techniques are refined. In this review, we summarize the literature and provide our perspective on embolization for refractory bleeding in cancer patients.

Unexpected hemorrhage of a rare vessel, a pubic branch of the external iliac artery, after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Case report

RATIONALE

Postoperative hemorrhage is a rare complication after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), with no case reports of bleeding from the external iliac artery in the literature.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 73-year-old man diagnosed with clinical stage 2c prostate cancer underwent LRP successfully with only approximately 200 mL of intraoperative blood loss. However, his blood pressure dropped from 135/74 to 80/49 mm Hg and his hemoglobin decreased by 66 g/L compared with the preoperative level within 5 hours.

DIAGNOSES

Active hemorrhage from a pubic branch of the external iliac artery was found by digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with superselective intraarterial embolization.

OUTCOMES

The bleeding stopped and the patient recovered uneventfully with no further hemorrhage or other complications.

LESSONS

Although postoperative hemorrhage after LRP is exceptionally rare, it can occur not only in the internal iliac artery but also in the external iliac artery. In addition, contracted pelvis cases should be addressed with more caution by the laparoscope holder in case external iliac artery is injured.

Prostatic artery embolization in benign prostatic hyperplasia: preliminary results in 13 patients

AIM

The aim of the paper is to report the clinical outcome after prostatic artery embolisation (PAE) in 13 consecutive patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From May 2012 to October 2013, we performed PAE in 13 consecutive patients (mean age 75.9 years) with BPH and LUTS and refractory to medical therapy; seven patients had an indwelling bladder catheter. Clinical follow-up (mean follow-up time 244 days) was performed using the international prostate symptoms score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), the international index of erectile function (IIEF), blood prostatic specific antigen (PSA) testing and transrectal prostatic ultrasound (US) scan with volume and weight calculation at 3, 6 and 12 months. Pre-procedural CT angiography (CTA) was done for vascular mapping. Embolisation was performed using Embosphere (300-500 micron). Technical success was defined when selective prostatic arterial embolisation was completed in at least one pelvic side. Clinical success was defined when symptoms and quality of life were improved.

RESULTS

PAE was technically successful in 12/13 patients (92%). In one patient, PAE was not performed because of tortuosity and atherosclerosis of iliac arteries. PAE was completed bilaterally in 9/13 (75%) patients and unilaterally in three (27%). All patients removed the bladder catheter from 4 days to 4 weeks after PAE. We obtained a reduction in IPSS (mean, 17.1 points), an increase in IIEF (mean, 2.6 points), an improvement in Qol (mean, 2.6 points) and a volume reduction (mean, 28%) at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with the literature, our experience showed the feasibility, safety and efficacy of PAE in the management of patients with LUTS related to BPH. PAE may play an important role in patients in whom medical therapy has failed, who are not candidates for surgery or transurethral prostatic resection (TURP) or refuse any surgical treatment. Larger case series and comparative studies with standard TURP can confirm the validity of the technique.

Bladder necrosis secondary to internal iliac artery embolization following pelvic fracture

A 49-year-old man following a road traffic accident (RTA) had an unstable pelvic fracture with urethral injury. Internal pelvic fixation with Supra-pubic catheter (SPC) drainage of his bladder was done. This failed to stop the bleeding and a pelvic angiography with bilateral internal iliac embolization using steel coils was performed successfully controlling the bleeding. After 4 weeks, the patient developed wound infection (Clavien Grade III) and on exploration, bladder necrosis was found. A urinary diversion using ileal conduit with excision of bladder was performed. A biopsy of the excised bladder confirmed bladder necrosis with a foreign material (coil) in one arterial lumen.

Superselective internal iliac arterial embolization for severe hemorrhage following radical prostatectomy

Severe hemorrhage following a prostatectomy is a rare and serious complication. A 63-year-old male with severe hemorrhage following radical prostatectomy which led to hypovolemic shock presented at our department and was treated with superselective internal iliac arterial embolization. At 6 months follow-up, the patient had recovered well, regained excellent urinary continence and the pelvic hematoma was absorbed using ultrasound examination. We concluded that rapid diagnosis by computed tomography angiography and early superselective embolization of internal iliac artery should be considered as the treatment of choice in severe hemorrhage cases following radical prostatectomy.

Complications of embolization

Embolization is a remarkably versatile procedure used in nearly all vascular and nonvascular systems to treat a wide range of pathology. The published literature is rich with studies demonstrating the enormous therapeutic potential offered by embolization procedures, and the possibilities continue to expand with the advent of new embolization agents and techniques. Unfortunately, with this variety and innovation comes a wide spectrum of potential complications, not always easy to classify and summarize, associated with embolization. This article reviews the procedures and associated complications of arterial and venous embolization procedures, organized by vascular distribution.

Selective embolization of the internal iliac arteries for the treatment of intractable hemorrhage in children with malignancies

Purpose

Acute internal hemorrhage is an occasionally life-threatening complication in pediatric cancer patients. Many therapeutic approaches have been used to control bleeding with various degrees of success. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of selective internal iliac artery embolization for controlling acute intractable bleeding in children with malignancies.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the cases of 6 children with various malignancies (acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and rhabdomyosarcoma), who had undergone selective arterial embolization (SAE) of the internal iliac artery at the Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital between January 2004 and December 2009. SAE was performed by an interventional radiologist using Gelfoam® and/or Tornado® coils.

Results

The patients were 5 boys and 1 girl with median age of 6.9 years (range, 0.7-14.8 years) at the time of SAE. SAE was performed once in 4 patients and twice in 2, and the procedure was unilateral in 2 and bilateral in 4. The causes of hemorrhage were as follows: hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) in 3 patients, procedure-related internal iliac artery injuries in 2 patients, and tumor rupture in 1 patient. Initial attempt at conservative management was unsuccessful. Of the 6 patients, 5 (83.3%) showed improvement after SAE without complications.

Conclusion

SAE may be a safe and effective procedure for controlling acute intractable hemorrhage in pediatric malignancy patients. This procedure may obviate the need for surgery, which carries an attendant risk of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients with critical conditions.

Intractable haematuria: long-term results after selective embolization of the internal iliac arteries

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility and efficacy of transarterial embolization (TAE) in haemorrhagic urological emergencies, and to assess the perioperative morbidity, effect of timing of intervention on the requirement for blood transfusion, and the long-term follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between October 1997 and March 2009, 44 patients (30 men and 14 women; mean age 79 years, range 51-95) with intractable haematuria secondary to advanced pelvic tumour arising from or invading the bladder, underwent internal iliac TAE. Twenty-four patients had transitional carcinoma of the urinary bladder, 12 adenocarcinoma of the prostate, five carcinoma of the uterus, one cancer of the vagina, two carcinoma of the rectum, three carcinoma of the kidney, two simultaneous carcinoma of prostate and bladder, one simultaneous carcinoma of prostate and kidney and one had haemorrhagic cystitis after radiotherapy.

RESULTS

TAE of the internal iliac arteries produced initial complete control of bleeding in 36 of the 44 patients (82%). At a mean (range) follow-up of 10.5 (1-97) months TAE there was permanent control of bleeding in 19 (43%) patients. A second TAE session was use in five (11%) patients and it was successful in two of them. There were 24 patients (55%) who required a mean of 4 (1-17) transfusion units before embolization; only 13 (30%) required more blood products after TAE. The mean haematocrit level before and after TAE was 27% and 31% (P < 0001), and the respective haemoglobin level were 8.7 and 10.3 g/dL (P < 0001). During the follow-up there were no major complications related to TAE; minor complications were post-TAE syndrome in 12 (27%) patients, fever (11%), gluteus pain (14%), nausea (2%), and exterior genital oedema (5%). The 6- and 12-month mortality rates were 66% (29 patients) and 18% (eight), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

TAE should be considered as an alternative less-invasive palliative measure and the treatment of choice in these situations. TAE should always be bilateral, the catheter should advance distally to the origin of the superior gluteal artery and the artery embolized with unresorbable particles. Our study confirms the efficacy and safety of TAE in patients with pelvic malignancy, and indicates that this technique should be considered before surgery. The procedure combines the benefits of a minimally invasive approach in decreasing the cost of surgery and operating time, while maintaining low blood loss and analgesia requirement.

Outcome of transcatheter arterial embolization for bladder and prostate hemorrhage

PURPOSE

We evaluated the efficacy and outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization for intractable bladder or prostate bleeding after failed conservative treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied the records of 2 women and 18 men with a mean +/- SD age of 73 +/- 17.2 years referred between 1999 and 2008 for selective pelvic angiography after failed conventional therapy. Embolization was feasible in 18 patients, including bilateral and unilateral embolization in 13 and 5, respectively. It consisted of superselective distal particulate or glue embolization of the vesical or prostatic arteries in 11 patients, selective proximal coil or gelatin sponge particle occlusion of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery in 2, the 2 techniques in 3 and coil blockade in 2. Clinical bleeding control and post-embolization angiography findings were used to assess outcomes.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 90% (18 of 20 cases). Bleeding was controlled after the first procedure in 15 of 18 patients (83.3%) and after a repeat procedure in the remaining 3. The periprocedural mortality rate was 20% (4 of 20 patients) and all deaths were related to underlying conditions. No major complications related to catheterization occurred. Late bleeding recurrence was reported in 4 of the 14 survivors (28.6%). Mean post-embolization followup was 16 months (range 15 days to 56 months). During followup 6 more patients died, including 2 of repeat bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective angiographic embolization is safe and effective to control refractory, life threatening bladder or prostate bleeding. This procedure should be considered the treatment of choice since it usually obviates the need for emergency surgery in these severely ill patients.

Management of anaemia in prostate cancer

Anaemia is a frequent complication of prostate cancer and of its treatments. In Europe prostate cancer accounts for the 10.8% of all malignant neoplasms. Iatrogenic hypogonadism and age-related physiologic changes along with nutritional deficits contribute to increase prevalence of prostate cancer related anaemia. The reason of the present review is to provide clinicians with all aspects of a frequent and multifactorial co-morbidity, whose effects are often underestimated. Erythropoiesis pathology and causes of anaemia in prostate cancer are reviewed. Critical issues of clinical management of anaemia in prostate cancer are discussed.

Management of non-neoplastic renal hemorrhage by transarterial embolization

OBJECTIVES

To assess the role of transarterial embolization (TAE) and critically appraise its feasibility and efficacy in the management of non-neoplastic renal hemorrhage. Percutaneous TAE is an effective method for the control of hemorrhage, irrespective of the cause. Injury to the renal artery or its branch, after trauma or during open or percutaneous urologic procedures, can be accurately diagnosed using angiography and treated by percutaneous embolization techniques. Because the technique and technology have evolved, it is now possible to perform highly selective embolization of the injured vessel while preserving vascularity of the rest of the renal parenchyma.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients who underwent angioembolization for hemorrhagic urologic emergencies at our institute from January 1996 to December 2007 were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients, aged 7-72 years, underwent TAE because of hemorrhage after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (n = 27), open pyelolithotomy (n = 3), renal biopsy (n = 8), and spontaneous occurrence (n = 3). All patients had a normal coagulation profile before surgery. A total of 35 patients (85.3%) underwent successful embolization and none required a postprocedural blood transfusion. Of those with postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy bleeding, angioembolization failed in 6 patients. Of these, only 2 required nephrectomy to save the patient's life. No serious procedure-related complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

TAE is a minimally invasive, safe, simple, and highly effective modality, in expert hands, for the management of postprocedural renal bleeding. This option should be considered early in the management of these cases because it is not only a life-saving, but ultimately a kidney-sparing, procedure.

[Experience in superselective embolization of bladder arteries in the treatment of intractable hematuria]

INTRODUCTION

The hematuria, one of the main motives of urologic consultations, is produced by an extensive number of urinary pathologies from infections to cancer. The management of hematuria can require the action of Interventional Radiology in those cases in which the pathology is outside of surgery therapy. This is an approximation less invasive for the management of this pathology.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective review of 6 cases of supraselective embolization of bladder arteries with micropaticles in intractable macroscopic hematuria with associated anemia. Short and extensive monitoring.

RESULTS

Four patients had a favorable evolution, with disappearance of macroscopic hematuria at 48 hours of the procedure. In two cases it was necessary a second endovascular procedure (coils) one week later. The patients did not present complications related to the intervention during the period of current monitoring.

CONCLUSION

In ineligible patients for surgical resolution of hematuria or in those with failure of habitual processing, the selective embolization seems to be a viable alternative and without immediate complications for the management. Studies with greater number of cases and more prolonged monitoring are required to test this hypothesis.