Mucosa-sparing, KTP Laser Coagulation of Submucosal Telangiectatic Vessels in Patients With Radiation-induced Cystitis: A Novel Approach

Introduction This study aimed evaluate the safety and feasibility of endoscopic potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser application in the management of patients with radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis (RHC). Technical Considerations We retrospectively reviewed the records of 20 patients with RHC who underwent endoscopic KTP laser ablation of telangiectatic bladder vessels between October 2005 and January 2013. After initial cystoscopy, KTP laser was used to ablate the submucosal vasculature while preserving the overlying mucosa. The surgical outcome was evaluated by duration of hematuria-free interval, number of episodes of hematuria, and number of required medical and/or surgical interventions after initial treatment. Overall, 20 patients underwent 26 sessions of KTP laser ablation of bladder vessels. The procedure was able to stop bleeding 92% of the time and the average hematuria-free interval after ablation was 11.8 months, with a range of 1-37 months. In 13 patients (65%) hematuria resolved after 1 session of KTP laser treatment, whereas 5 patients (25%) required multiple sessions. Two patients (10%) with severe hematuria continued to have bleeding after laser treatment, which necessitated proximal diversion of urine with percutaneous nephrostomy tubes to control bleeding. Conclusion This study suggests that KTP laser, with its unique photoselectivity property, is a safe, effective, and durable treatment with minimal side effects for ablation of submucosal bladder vessels in patients with RHC.