TY  - EJOU
AU  - Gilmartin, Brian 
AU  - O’Meara, Sorcha 
AU  - Horan, Michelle 
AU  - D’Arcy, Frank T. 
AU  - Dowling, Catherine M. 

TI  - The cost burden of radiation cystitis presentations and investigations
T2  - Canadian Journal of Urology

PY  - 2025
VL  - 32
IS  - 4
SN  - 1488-5581

AB  -  <b>Background:</b> Radiation cystitis is a well-known complication resulting from radiotherapy for pelvic malignancies. It remains a challenging condition to treat and is associated with significant morbidity for patients. We aimed to establish the economic cost burden of presentations and investigations associated with radiation cystitis over a two-year period to a tertiary referral hospital in Ireland. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A retrospective review of patient charts was performed for radiation cystitis-related presentations and investigations over 24 months. Costs were estimated in consultation with the hospital finance department and using Health Service Executive data on diagnostic-related groups and average inpatient bed day costs. <b>Results:</b> A total of 56 individual patients were identified over 2 years. 91% male, 9% female. The mean age was 72 years. Twenty-three patients (41%) required inpatient care. Radiation cystitis accounted for 621 inpatient bed days. Median length of stay was 7.5 days. The inpatient care cost was approximately €545,238 (801,908 Canadian dollars (CA$)) over 2 years. <b>Conclusion:</b> Radiation cystitis accounts for a significant amount of inpatient bed days. A conservative estimate of the overall cost burden for inpatient care and outpatient investigations exceeds €280,000 (CA$411,810) per year.
KW  - radiation cystitis; radiotherapy; complication; cost

DO  - 10.32604/cju.2025.065805