Intractable Hematuria and Formalin

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Abstract
Massive hematuria, which is most frequently caused by radiation of pelvic malignancies, after treatment with cyclophosphamide or secondary to aggressive anticoagulation, represents a vexing problem. Analysis of published results after treatment with formalin revealed generally excellent results regarding control of hematuria. Nevertheless, the complication rate of formalin application is surprisingly high, including vesicoureteral reflux and hydroureteronephrosis as local reactions and systemically tubular necrosis with anuria. A series of patients is presented with a detailed description of a patient who was afflicted with a vesicovaginal fistula following formalin instillation. Formalin can serve as excellent therapy for massive hematuria. If attention is paid to the concentration and to the technical details of its instillation the noxious side effects can be minimized or prevented in the majority of cases.