Transrectal Radiofrequency Ablation for Pelvic Recurrence of Bladder Cancer: Case Report and Review of Complications

Pelvic recurrences after radical surgery for intestinal and urologic cancers can cause substantial pain and morbidity as a result of nerve and visceral organ invasion. Treatment options are frequently limited by previous radiation and inefficacy of systemic chemotherapy. There are a few reports of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation for local control or palliation of symptoms, but this approach has been associated with considerable morbidity. In the present case, transrectal RF ablation of recurrent bladder cancer was performed for palliation of intractable pain. The associated complications and the pertinent literature will be reviewed.