Rectourethral fistula and massive rectal bleeding from iodine-125 prostate brachytherapy: a case report.

G S Cherr, C Hall, B C Pineau, G S Waters

Journal: The American surgeon 2001;67(2):131-4

PMID: 11243535

Abstract

Iodine-125 brachytherapy is an effective well-tolerated treatment for localized prostate cancer. Gastrointestinal complications of brachytherapy (minor rectal bleeding or tenesmus) are uncommon. Rectal ulceration or rectourethral fistulas after prostate brachytherapy are rare. We present a case of massive refractory rectal bleeding and rectourethral fistula, a complication of prostate brachytherapy never before reported. As a result of the patient's life-threatening symptoms aggressive surgical therapy was necessary.

Address: Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA.

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/prostatecancer.html

Research Materials:

https://antibodies.cancer.gov/detail/CPTC-HLA-B-1

MeSH Terms: Adenocarcinoma, Aged, Brachytherapy, Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage, Humans, Iodine Radioisotopes, Male, Prostatic Neoplasms, Rectal Diseases, Rectal Fistula, Urethral Diseases, Urinary Fistula