Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy has recently emerged as a potential primary option for the management of hemorrhagic cystitis. We review our experience treating hemorrhagic cystitis with HBO. Between January 2001 and May 2007, eight patients with radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis underwent HBO therapy. There were five men and three women with a mean age of 64.3 years (47-73). Radiation was given for local disease, and the mean dosage delivered was 56.6 Gy (42-70). The mean duration between the onset of hematuria and the beginning of HBO therapy was 8.9 months (3-34). Mean follow-up period was 15.5 months (2-31). Hematuria resolved completely in six of the eight patients, one of whom suffered recurrence of hematuria and was treated with HBO until the hematuria resolved again. The response rate was 75%, compatible with the previous reports, and no side-effects of HBO were noted. HBO treatment should be attempted for radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis.