OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and complications of internal iliac artery embolization as a palliative measure in the control of intractable haemorrhage from advanced pelvic urological malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS Six patients (mean age 80 years, range 76–87) with advanced pelvic malignancies (three each with bladder carcinoma and prostate carcinoma) underwent embolization between September 1997 and July 2001, using permanent coils in the anterior division of internal iliac artery bilaterally. RESULTS All patients had undergone conservative treatment before embolization for a mean of 2 days. The mean requirement for transfusion before embolization was 3.2 units. All patients except one were successfully embolized in a single setting with no complications. Bleeding was successfully controlled in one patient at the second attempt of embolization. There were minor complications, e.g. nausea, vomiting or fever, for a mean of 2 days, responding well to conservative treatment. At a mean follow‐up of 22 months, no patient had a recurrence of bleeding. CONCLUSION Internal iliac artery embolization is a feasible, effective and minimally invasive option in managing advanced pelvic urological malignancies presenting with intractable bleeding; it should be bilateral and permanent.

Osteonecrosis of the knee comprises two separate disorders, primary spontaneous osteonecrosis which is often a self-limiting condition and secondary osteonecrosis which is associated with risk factors and a poor prognosis. In a series of 61 knees (38 patients) we analysed secondary osteonecrosis of the knee treated by a new technique using multiple small percutaneous 3 mm drillings. Total knee replacement was avoided in 59 knees (97%) at a mean follow-up of 3 years (2 to 4). Of the 61 knees, 56 (92%) had a successful clinical outcome, defined as a Knee Society score greater than 80 points. The procedure was successful in all 24 knees with small lesions compared with 32 of 37 knees (86%) with large lesions. All the procedures were performed as day cases and there were no complications. This technique appears to have a low morbidity, relieves symptoms and delays more invasive surgery.

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RESULTSThe prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level decreased to < 0.5 ng/mL in 79% of patients undergoing primary treatment and in 67% of patients undergoing salvage treatment. A higher Gleason grade and PSA levels were associated with a poorer outcome. No patient developed a fistula, 4% developed urinary retention requiring transurethral prostatectomy and 4% had persistent incontinence. The rates of erectile dysfunction were high (86%). The median inpatient stay was 2 days. CONCLUSIONEarly results suggest that cryotherapy offers a safe alternative for primary and recurrent prostate cancer, particularly for older and less fit patients. Long-term data are required to assess the durability of response and the effect on survival.

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