Intravesical formalin instillation in the treatment of massive haematuria

16 patients with massive haematuria due to bladder cancer or cytostatic or radiation cystitis have been treated with intravesical instillation of 4% formalin solution. The method proved to be effective in the control of bleeding in 15 cases, but produced complications two of which were severe. This mode of treatment should thus be limited to debilatated patients in whom other conservative methods fail to control the bleeding. Complications and mode of action of formalin instillation are discussed.