RESUMEN
AIM: To investigate the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of patients with radiation induced urinary bladder injury (radiation cystitis). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 23 patients with late radiation induced urinary bladder injury who were evaluated and treated using hyperbaric oxygen therapy and bladder instillation. Before and after treatment, all patients underwent cystoscopy with the bladder mucosa biopsy. - RESULTS: In all patients, the treatment resulted in positive outcomes manifested by resolution of hematuria, alleviation of dysuria, decrease in urination frequency to 6.5 +/- 0.5 times a day, increase the bladder capacity, which ultimately improved patients the quality of life. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was well tolerated, there were no adverse effects. Morphological studies confirmed positive clinical changes following hyperbaric oxygen therapy. CONCLUSION: The study findings support wider use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of radiation cystitis.