Urethral Recurrence of Bladder Tumor after Total Cystectomy

Yim, Sung Bin; Sul, Chong Koo

Abstract

PURPOSE: Multifocal development of transitional cell carcinoma in the urinary tract is well recognized. We reviewed the urethral recurrence following cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and determined the factors influencing this recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1984 to December 1996, 97 patients underwent total cystectomy in our hospital and 59 men were able to be followed up for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The incidence of the urethral recurrence after cystectomy and its relationship to some factors including tumor stage, grade, number, shape, and location of the bladder cancer were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 59 patients, nine(15.3%) had secondary urethral cancer which was more common in high stage & grade, multiple, sessile tumors and that involved the trigone, bladder neck or prostate. CONCLUSIONS: A proper evaluation of patients at high risk for subsequent development of cancer in the urethra after cystectomy appears to be important to determine whether or not preserve the urethra and to avoid unnecessary urethrectomy during the total cystectomy.