A case series of pelvic fracture patients who developed lower urinary tract symptoms after transarterial embolization of bilateral internal iliac arteries

CASES: Transarterial embolization of bilateral internal iliac arteries (TAE) is a useful hemostatic method for the management of pelvic fracture patients, but its effects on urinary functions remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the impact of TAE on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in 10 pelvic fracture patients. OUTCOMES: Lower urinary tract symptoms before and after hospitalization were evaluated by International Prostate Symptoms Score, Overactive Bladder Symptoms Score, and Quality Of Life score. All scores showed significant worsening. The changes did not correlate with sex, age, injury severity score, or durations of unstable hemodynamics or urethral catheterization. Changes of International Prostate Symptoms Score and Quality Of Life score showed significant positive correlations with intervals between the evaluations. CONCLUSION: Pelvic fracture patients treated with TAE showed significant worsening of LUTS. Risk for exacerbation of LUTS should be taken into consideration when deciding to use TAE.