Delayed urinary bladder perforation in a hostile post-radiation pelvis

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:

• Urinary bladder perforation
• Retzius abscess
• radiated pelvis

Disclosure statement

All authors declare they have no conflicts of interest.