Delayed urinary bladder perforation in a hostile post-radiation pelvis

Acta Chir Belg. 2021 Apr;121(2):152-153. doi: 10.1080/00015458.2020.1871288. Epub 2021 Feb 8.

Abstract

The radiation-induced injury to normal tissue is a well-described phenomenon that incites tissue hypoxia, vascular damage, and parenchymal cell death. In addition to the morbidity caused by the radiation-induced injury itself, surgical management adds to the overall morbidity in these patients. We herein present a case demonstrating challenges of surgical management of urological complications in a radiated pelvis including delayed bladder perforation, recurrence of vesicovaginal fistula, and ureteral stricture. Nonoperative management strategies should be exhausted prior to surgical intervention.

Keywords: Retzius abscess; Urinary bladder perforation; radiated pelvis.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pelvis
  • Urinary Bladder Diseases*
  • Vesicovaginal Fistula*