Rectourethral fistula and massive rectal bleeding from iodine-125 prostatebrachytherapy: A case report

Iodine-125 brachytherapy is an effective well-tolerated treatment for local ized prostate cancer. Gastrointestinal complications of brachytherapy (mino r rectal bleeding or tenesmus) are uncommon. Rectal ulceration or rectouret hral fistulas after prostate brachytherapy are rare. We present a case of m assive refractory rectal bleeding and rectourethral fistula, a complication of prostate brachytherapy never before reported. As a result of the patien t's life-threatening symptoms aggressive surgical therapy was necessary.