Penile edema and meatal ulceration after intravesical instillation with Bacillus Balmette-Guérin

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) bladder instillation is an accepted treatment modality in the management of superficial transitional cell carcinoma but is associated with frequent side effects. A report of intravesical BCG-induced penile edema and meatal ulceration that occurred in 2 patients is presented. During induction therapy, both patients complained of progressive penile edema. In 1 patient the edema appeared after the second instillation and in the other after the fourth instillation. Edema was associated with ensuing meatal ulceration and enlarged inguinal lymph nodes. BCG instillation was aborted, and oral antituberculous treatment was initiated. There was no report of external spillage during the administration of BCG or of genital or urethral trauma during catheterization. Patients were treated at different clinics but with BCG of the same strain and batch. Symptoms continued for 6 weeks until they abated. Both patients were managed with oral antituberculous drugs for a period of 3 months. Adverse effects of BCG intravesical administration affect several organs in the genitourinary system. The penis and urethra may also be involved, presenting as penile edema and meatal ulceration. Physicians who administer BCG must be familiar with the possible complications and their appropriate management. UROLOGY 47: 932-934, 1996.