Clinical Significance of Embolization on Quality of Life of Elderly Patients with Bladder Hemorrhage

Objective To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and complications of transcatheter arterial embolization as a palliative measure for the quality of life(QOL) of elderly patients with bladder hemorrhage. Methods We analyzed retrospectively the clinical data of transarterial embolotherapy on 23 elderly patients with bladder hemorrhage from January 2007 to December 2012, 19 patients underwent bilateral embolization and 4 patients underwent unilateral embolization. Post-embolization angiography findings, bleeding control, QOL and complications were assessed. Results The technical success rate was 100%. Hematuria was controlled after the first procedure(1-5d after embolization) in 20 patients(81.7%) and a repeat procedure was succeeded in the remaining three patients. The forward clinical success was 82.6% since late bleeding recurrence occurred 3, 4, 4 and 6 months after operation was reported in 4 patients during the follow-up. The general QOL was significantly improved compared with the preoperative condition(P<0.001). No major complications related to procedure, such as buttock or perineal pain, bladder necrosis, renal function damage etc., occurred. Conclusion Selective transcatheter arterial embolization is feasible, safe and effective to control refractory bladder bleeding in elderly patients. This procedure should be considered as an alternative less-invasive palliative measure and the treatment of choice.