Risk Of Upper Tract Recurrence Research Articles

The impact of double-J ureteral stenting before radical cystectomy on the development of upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

It is controversial whether the use of a double-J stent (DJ) in patients with bladder cancer before radical cystectomy (RC) increases the risk of tumour seeding in the upper tract and thus the risk of metachronous upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). The aim of our study is to investigate the risk of upper tract recurrence after RC in patients previously managed with a DJ stent. A total of 699 patients who had undergone RC between January 2003 and March 2022 with complete perioperative data and pathological outcome were included in our study. Patients treated preoperatively with a DJ stent were identified and compared for development of metachronous UTUC with those who did not receive prior internal stenting. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to determine predictors of UTUC occurrence among the possible pathological features; risk factors for mortality after RC were also examined. Of 699 patients, 117 (16.7%) were managed preoperatively with a DJ stent. The overall probability of metachronous UTUC was 1%, 4% and 6% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. The groups with and without DJ stenting were comparable regarding their clinicopathologic features, except for the higher incidence of hydronephrosis in the DJ group. At similar follow-up periods (median follow-up 32 months), metachronous UTUC was detected in four (3.4%) patients in the DJ group and in 13 (2.2%) in the non-stented group (P=0.44). The median interval (IQR) from cystectomy to UTUC was 40.5 (20-49) months in the DJ group and 37 (24-82) in the non-stented group (P=0.7). In the multivariable analysis, only presence of CIS (HR 3.83, 95% CI 1.19-12.29, P=0.024) and positive ureteral margin (HR=5.2, 95% CI 1.38-19.57, P=0.015) were predictors of metachronous UTUC. The study is limited by the retrospective nature and relatively short follow-up. Ureteral stenting for management of hydronephrosis in patients with bladder cancer undergoing RC is a viable option, without higher risk for UTUC or mortality. Patients with positive ureteral margin and CIS are considered high-risk groups for upper tract recurrence and should receive long-term, rigorous follow-up.

Impact of previous malignancy at diagnosis on oncological outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma

BackgroundThe evidence of prognostic factors and individualized surveillance strategies for upper tract urothelial carcinoma are still weak.ObjectivesTo evaluate whether the history of previous malignancy (HPM) affects the oncological outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).MethodsThe CROES-UTUC registry is an international, observational, multicenter cohort study on patients diagnosed with UTUC. Patient and disease characteristics from 2380 patients with UTUC were collected. The primary outcome of this study was recurrence-free survival. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed by stratifying patients according to their HPM.ResultsA total of 996 patients were included in this study. With a median recurrence-free survival time of 7.2 months and a median follow-up time of 9.2 months, 19.5% of patients had disease recurrence. The recurrence-free survival rate in the HPM group was 75.7%, which was significantly lower than non-HPM group (82.7%, P = 0.012). Kaplan-Meier analyses also showed that HPM could increase the risk of upper tract recurrence (P = 0.048). Furthermore, patients with a history of non-urothelial cancers had a higher risk of intravesical recurrence (P = 0.003), and patients with a history of urothelial cancers had a higher risk of upper tract recurrence (P = 0.015). Upon multivariate Cox regression analysis, the history of non-urothelial cancer was a risk factor for intravesical recurrence (P = 0.004), and the history of urothelial cancer was a risk factor for upper tract recurrence (P = 0.006).ConclusionBoth previous non-urothelial and urothelial malignancy could increase the risk of tumor recurrence. But different cancer types may increase different sites’ risk of tumor recurrence for patients with UTUC. According to present study, more personalized follow-up plans and active treatment strategies should be considered for UTUC patients.

MP56-12 UPPER TRACT RECURRENCE RISK BASED ON DRAINAGE METHOD FOR URETERAL OBSTRUCTION PRIOR TO RADICAL CYSTECTOMY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022MP56-12 UPPER TRACT RECURRENCE RISK BASED ON DRAINAGE METHOD FOR URETERAL OBSTRUCTION PRIOR TO RADICAL CYSTECTOMY Wesley Yip, Daniel Sjoberg, Nathan Wong, Manuel de Jesus Escano, Song Jiang, Carissa Chu, Nicole Benfante, Sherri Donat, Harry Herr, Guido Dalbagni, Bernard Bochner, and Eugene Cha Wesley YipWesley Yip More articles by this author , Daniel SjobergDaniel Sjoberg More articles by this author , Nathan WongNathan Wong More articles by this author , Manuel de Jesus EscanoManuel de Jesus Escano More articles by this author , Song JiangSong Jiang More articles by this author , Carissa ChuCarissa Chu More articles by this author , Nicole BenfanteNicole Benfante More articles by this author , Sherri DonatSherri Donat More articles by this author , Harry HerrHarry Herr More articles by this author , Guido DalbagniGuido Dalbagni More articles by this author , Bernard BochnerBernard Bochner More articles by this author , and Eugene ChaEugene Cha More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002639.12AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Ureteral obstruction by bladder tumors can cause hydronephrosis with the potential for renal dysfunction. Renal drainage can be achieved by either ureteral stent placement or percutaneous nephrostomy tube, but there is a potential risk for upper tract seeding by retrograde manipulation during stent placement and reflux of urine. We aim to determine if retrograde ureteral stent placement prior to radical cystectomy (RC) increases the risk of upper tract recurrence. METHODS: 2475 patients who underwent RC at our institution from January 2000 to June 2016 were included in our analysis. Patients were categorized by: no drainage, nephrostomy tube only, or stent with or without nephrostomy tube. Fine-Gray competing risks regression analysis was used to assess whether ureteral stent placement increased the risk of upper tract recurrence, with recurrence to another region and death from other causes as the competing events. Univariable and multivariable models were then created, with the latter adjusted for pathologic T stage, carcinoma in situ (CIS) in the RC specimen, and prior intravesical therapy. RESULTS: Of 2475 patients who underwent RC, 111 upper tract recurrences were observed with a median follow-up of 6.0 years (IQR 2.5, 9.3) among those without an event. 2203 (89%) patients had no drainage, 88 (3.6%) had a nephrostomy tube only, and 184 (7.4%) had a ureteral stent with or without nephrostomy tube. There were 98 upper tract recurrences in the no drainage group, only 1 in the nephrostomy tube group, and 12 in the ureteral stent group. The probability of upper tract recurrence based on drainage method is displayed in Figure 1. On multivariable analysis, ureteral stent placement was associated with an increased risk of upper tract recurrence (HR 2.32; 95% CI 1.27, 4.22). CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral stent placement for ureteral obstruction prior to radical cystectomy is associated with an increased risk of upper tract recurrence compared to nephrostomy tube placement, although patient selection factors not accounted for in our analyses may be present. This should be considered when weighing the risks and benefits of ureteral stent versus nephrostomy tube placement in these patients. Source of Funding: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award T32CA082088 © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e977 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Wesley Yip More articles by this author Daniel Sjoberg More articles by this author Nathan Wong More articles by this author Manuel de Jesus Escano More articles by this author Song Jiang More articles by this author Carissa Chu More articles by this author Nicole Benfante More articles by this author Sherri Donat More articles by this author Harry Herr More articles by this author Guido Dalbagni More articles by this author Bernard Bochner More articles by this author Eugene Cha More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Upper tract CT urogram for the surveillance of high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer–are we over-screening patients?

Objective: The European Association of Urology (EAU) recommends annual upper tract imaging for high-risk (HR), non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). We evaluated the incidence of upper tract recurrence found during imaging surveillance for HR NMIBC and appraised our imaging strategy and patient radiation exposure. Subjects/patients (or materials) and methods: Two hundred and eighty-six patients between 2014 and 2019 with HR NMIBC (G3 tumour or T1 tumour or CIS, as per National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines), were included in the study. The total number of computed tomography (CT) scans performed, the average radiation dose administered and the incidence rate of upper tract disease for each patient were recorded and analysed using a Microsoft Excel database. Results: The incidence rate of upper tract recurrence diagnosed during CT follow-up was 4/286 (1.4%). Three had a successful laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, the fourth was medically unfit for surgery. In total, 2.8% (8/286) were found to have other urological diagnoses. Patients received a CT scan on average every 13 months, with a mean radiation dose of 11.5 mSv. Conclusion: This study found that patients with HR NMIBC have a lower risk of upper tract recurrence than previously reported, which might support a guideline change to eliminate unnecessary radiation exposure during follow-up. Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multi-centre audit

Outcomes in patients with p0 versus PCIS on final cystectomy pathology.

312 Background: For patients with superficial bladder cancer, the presence of Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is known to increase the risk of subsequent upper tract recurrence. In this study, we focused on patients with no residual invasive carcinoma at cystectomy to determine if those patients with pCIS only on final pathology have worse outcomes than patients with p0 bladders. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of our institutional cystectomy database to identify patients with no residual invasive carcinoma on final pathology (p0 or pCIS only). Chi squared test was used to analyze categorical variables and recurrence rates and the Kaplan-Maier method was used to assess the impact of surgical pathology on recurrence-free survival and overall survival over time. Results: Of the 1,897 cystectomy patients in our institutional database, 630 had no residual invasive carcinoma and had complete follow up data. Of these, 285 had stage p0 and 345 had stage pCIS. Local recurrence, upper tract recurrence, and distant recurrence rates were similar between the two groups (p> 0.05 for all). Disease-specific and overall survival rates were also similar for the two groups. In the subset of patients that had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, there were also no differences in recurrence and survival rates between the p0 and the pCIS groups. Conclusions: The presence of CIS alone in the cystectomy specimen does not increase risk of upper tract recurrence, distant recurrence, or worsened survival compared to patients with p0 bladder pathology. To note there was no financial funding for this study.

1903 UPPER TRACT RECURRENCES AFTER CYSTECTOMY – THE PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF M-FISH

You have accessJournal of UrologyBladder Cancer: Staging1 Apr 20111903 UPPER TRACT RECURRENCES AFTER CYSTECTOMY – THE PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF M-FISH Torsten Gruschwitz, Miecyslaw Gajda, Enis Tanovic, Heiko Wunderlich, Marc-Oliver Grimm, and Kerstin Junker Torsten GruschwitzTorsten Gruschwitz Jena, Germany More articles by this author , Miecyslaw GajdaMiecyslaw Gajda Jena, Germany More articles by this author , Enis TanovicEnis Tanovic Jena, Germany More articles by this author , Heiko WunderlichHeiko Wunderlich Jena, Germany More articles by this author , Marc-Oliver GrimmMarc-Oliver Grimm Jena, Germany More articles by this author , and Kerstin JunkerKerstin Junker Jena, Germany More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2011.02.2027AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Patients after cystectomy for bladder cancer are at lifelong risk of oncological recurrence in the upper urinary tract. But, after cystectomy, only 2–6% of patients develop upper tract recurrence. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of Multicolor-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation to identify patients with increased risk of upper urinary tract recurrence after cystectomy. METHODS Washings of the upper urinary tract were done at time of cystectomy and were analysed by FISH according to established protocols for Urovysion®. 58 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder were evaluated, ureteral R1-situations were excluded. For comparison, 15 patients at time of prostatectomy because of prostate cancer were evaluated as well. Table 1: TNM-classification and -grading after cystectomy. T-Stadium pTa pT1 pT2 pT3 pT4 pCIS 2 16 16 17 6 1 Grading G1 G2 G3 G4 CIS 2 13 38 4 1 RESULTS None of the 15 patients with prostatectomy had positive FISH results. 25/58 patients with bladder cancer had positive FISH results. After a median follow-up of 25 months, up to now three patients with positive FISH were identified with upper tract recurrence after cystectomy whereas none of the 33 patients with negative FISH developed upper tract recurrence (12% vs. 0%). Therefore, patients with positive FISH are at considerable higher risk of tumour recurrence in the upper urinary tract already at time of cystectomy. CONCLUSIONS FISH may be a promising non invasive tool in detection of patients with increased risk of upper tract recurrence at time of cystectomy. These selected patients should be monitored very intensive in the follow-up to detect tumours before symptoms develop and prognosis gets worse. © 2011 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 185Issue 4SApril 2011Page: e761 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2011 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Torsten Gruschwitz Jena, Germany More articles by this author Miecyslaw Gajda Jena, Germany More articles by this author Enis Tanovic Jena, Germany More articles by this author Heiko Wunderlich Jena, Germany More articles by this author Marc-Oliver Grimm Jena, Germany More articles by this author Kerstin Junker Jena, Germany More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Significance of Distal Ureteral Margin at Radical Cystectomy for Urothelial Carcinoma

Urothelial carcinoma develops from a diffusely susceptible mucosa and, thus, patients who undergo cystectomy are at risk for upper tract recurrence. Management of the distal ureter at cystectomy remains controversial and the impact of a sequential sectioning strategy remains unclear. We identified 1,397 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for nonmetastatic urothelial carcinoma from 1980 to 1998. All patients underwent frozen section analysis of the distal ureteral specimen. When positive, additional specimens were obtained. We evaluated the impact of a positive ureteral margin and the effect of ultimately obtaining a negative margin after sequential resection. At last followup 432 patients (31%) had died of urothelial carcinoma a median of 1.8 years after cystectomy. Median followup in the 315 patients alive at last evaluation was 14.0 years. A total of 178 patients (12.7%) had a positive initial ureteral margin and only 31 (2.2%) had a positive final resection margin. Associations of margin status with overall and cancer specific survival were not statistically significant. Of 1,397 patients 69 (4.9%) experienced upper tract recurrence at a median of 3.1 years. Positive initial margin status and final margin status were associated with upper tract recurrence (p <0.001). Patients with positive ureteral margins at cystectomy are at increased risk for upper tract recurrence. With a serial sectioning strategy most positive initial margins can be converted to negative final margins. Patients who undergo conversion to a negative final margin with serial sectioning are at decreased risk for upper tract disease.

Prospective Intermediate Follow-Up of Carcinoma in Situ Involving the Distal Ureter at Cystectomy: Is There a Role for Ureteroscopy?

The presence of urothelial carcinoma in situ (CIS) at the distal ureteral margin has been identified as a risk factor for upper tract recurrence after radical cystectomy. Management of this finding is controversial. The objective of this study was to determine if follow-up with ureteroscopy could aid in early detection of recurrences in these patients. We collected prospective clinical-pathologic data for all patients who underwent radical cystectomy between 1999 and 2004. Patients with CIS at the distal ureteral margin were followed with endoscopy of the urinary diversion and bilateral ureteroscopy in addition to standard imaging and cytologic evaluation every 6 months. Recurrence was defined as detection of any malignant urothelial cells. In 250 consecutive cystectomies, eight patients were identified with CIS that involved a ureteral margin of 12 renal units. Ureteroscopy was successful in all cases, and there were no complications. Imaging was diagnostic in one patient, all cytologic examinations from the diversion were nondiagnostic, and ureteroscopy was positive in all recurrences. Six patients had recurrences at a median follow-up of 52.7 months; five needed laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, and one had disease controlled with percutaneous mitomycin C. Five patients were disease free at last follow-up, and one patient died with brain metastasis at 30 months. Patients with CIS that involves the ureteral margin are at increased risk for upper tract recurrence and progression. Aggressive follow-up with scheduled ureteroscopy may identify recurrences at an earlier stage. Development of additional markers for risk stratification and protocols for adjuvant treatment are needed.

Longitudinal Risk of Upper Tract Recurrence Following Radical Cystectomy for Urothelial Cancer and the Potential Implications for Long-Term Surveillance

The defined risk of upper tract recurrence in published series ranges from 2% to 6%, with most recurrence reported within 2 to 3 years of surgery. However, these recurrence rates are based on statistical methodology that does not take censoring into account. We used landmark time analysis to determine whether the risk of upper tract recurrence changes over time. We present a retrospective institutional review board approved review of 1,329 patients who underwent radical cystectomy from 1990 to 2004. Upper tract recurrence was defined as any radiographic, endoscopic or pathologically proven recurrence in the kidney or ureter. Cumulative incidence of upper tract recurrence was estimated by accounting for death without recurrence as a competing risk. Landmark analyses were used to estimate the probability of upper tract recurrence within the next 3 years if recurrence-free at various times after surgery. A total of 80 patients experienced upper tract recurrence. Median followup for patients alive and recurrence-free was 38 months. The 3 and 5-year cumulative incidence of upper tract recurrence was 4% (95% CI 3, 6) and 7% (95% CI 5, 8), respectively. Landmark time analysis showed the 3-year cumulative incidence of upper tract recurrence remained 4% to 6% even at 4 years after radical cystectomy. Any ureteral involvement at radical cystectomy (including carcinoma in situ) portends a significantly higher risk of upper tract recurrence. The incidence for upper tract recurrence was 4% at 3 years and 7% at 5 years. However, the 3-year risk of upper tract recurrence remained around 4% to 6% at any point measured up to 4 years after radical cystectomy and, therefore, did not change over time. This indicates the critical importance of long-term vigilance for upper tract recurrence following radical cystectomy.

Upper Tract Urothelial Recurrence Following Radical Cystectomy for Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder: An Analysis of 1,069 Patients With 10-Year Followup

Risk factors for upper tract recurrence following radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder are not yet well-defined. We reviewed our population of patients who underwent radical cystectomy to identify prognostic factors and clinical outcomes associated with upper tract recurrence. From our prospective database of 1,359 patients who underwent radical cystectomy we identified 1,069 patients treated for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder between January 1985 and December 2001. Univariate analysis was completed to determine factors predictive of upper tract recurrence. A total of 853 men and 216 women were followed for a median of 10.3 years (maximum 18.5). There were 27 (2.5%) upper tract recurrences diagnosed at a median of 3.3 years (range 0.4 to 9.3). Only urethral tumor involvement was predictive of upper tract recurrence. In men superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the prostatic urethra was associated with an increased risk of upper tract recurrence compared with prostatic stromal invasion or absence of prostatic transitional cell carcinoma (p <0.01). In women urethral transitional cell carcinoma was associated with an increased risk of upper tract recurrence (p = 0.01). Despite routine surveillance 78% of upper tract recurrence was detected after development of symptoms. Median survival following upper tract recurrence was 1.7 years (range 0.2 to 8.8). Detection of asymptomatic upper tract recurrence via surveillance did not predict lower nephroureterectomy tumor stage, absence of lymph node metastases or improved survival. Patients with bladder cancer are at lifelong risk for late oncological recurrence in the upper tract urothelium. Patients with evidence of tumor involvement within the urethra are at highest risk. Surveillance regimens frequently fail to detect tumors before symptoms develop. However, radical nephroureterectomy can provide prolonged survival.

Endoscopic Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma in Patients With a History of Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma

Endoscopic management of renal pelvis and ureteral urothelial carcinoma is gaining acceptance as a conservative treatment modality. Patients with a history of bladder urothelial carcinoma are at high risk for upper tract recurrence. We evaluate the role of endoscopic management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in patients with a history of primary bladder urothelial carcinoma. We retrospectively reviewed 90 patients with a history of primary bladder urothelial carcinoma who underwent endoscopic treatment of localized upper tract urothelial carcinoma between 1983 and 2004. Median patient age at diagnosis was 73 years (range 50 to 90). A total of 13 (14.4%) patients previously underwent cystectomy. With a median followup of 4.3 years (range 0.1 to 17), 105 upper tract urothelial carcinoma recurrences developed in 55 patients at a mean of 0.6 years (range 22 days to 5.9 years). Of these recurrences 76 were amenable to endoscopic management while 29 required nephroureterectomy. In 38 patients there were 91 bladder recurrences. At last followup 48 patients died, 17 of urothelial carcinoma at a median of 3.4 years (range 1 to 10). Cancer specific survival at 5 years for this cohort was 71.2%. Risk of death from urothelial carcinoma was significantly associated with stage (RR 3.23) and grade (RR 4.05) of upper tract urothelial carcinoma, imperative indication (RR 4.30), and treatment of bladder urothelial carcinoma with cystectomy (RR 3.34). Endoscopic management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in patients with primary bladder urothelial carcinoma demonstrates a significant local recurrence rate. Furthermore, 5-year cancer specific survival is low. These patients represent a high risk cohort requiring strict ureteroscopic followup after endoscopic management is instituted.

Is There an Indication for Frozen Section Examination of the Ureteral Margins During Cystectomy for Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder?

We evaluated the incidence of pathological findings of the ureter at cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and assessed the usefulness of intraoperative frozen section examination of the ureter. Histopathological findings of ureteral frozen section examination were compared to the corresponding permanent sections and the diagnostic accuracy of frozen section examination was evaluated. These segments were then compared to the more proximal ureteral segments resected at the level where they cross over the common iliac arteries. The histopathological findings of the ureteral segments were then correlated for upper urinary tract recurrence and overall survival. Transitional cell carcinoma or carcinoma in situ was found on frozen section examination of the distal ureter in 39 of 805 patients (4.8%) and on permanent sections in 29 (3.6%). In 755 patients the false-negative rate of frozen section examination of the ureters was 0.8%. Of the patients with carcinoma in situ diagnosed on the first frozen section examination 80% also had carcinoma in situ in the bladder. Transitional cell carcinoma or carcinoma in situ in the most proximally resected ureteral segments was found in 1.2% of patients. After radical cystectomy there was tumor recurrence in the upper urinary tract in 3% of patients with negative ureteral frozen section examination and in 17% with carcinoma in situ on frozen section examination. Routine frozen section examination of the ureters at radical cystectomy is only recommended for patients with carcinoma in situ of the bladder, provided the ureters are resected where they cross the common iliac arteries.

Significance of intraoperative ureteral evaluation at radical cystectomy for urothelial cancer

Patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial cancer are at increased risk for upper tract recurrence and anastomotic recurrence. In an attempt to reduce this recurrence risk, urologists employ intraoperative frozen sections to achieve an uninvolved ureteral margin. The utility of this surgical approach was examined. A retrospective review identified 1330 bladder cancer patients from 1990 to 2004 with pathologic evaluation of their ureters. Using pathologic findings on permanent section as the reference standard, the accuracy of ureteral frozen sections was examined. Ureteral involvement and margin status were examined as risk factors for upper tract and anastomotic recurrence and overall survival. Of 2579 ureteral margins evaluated in 1330 patients, ureteral involvement was noted in 9% of ureters (13% of patients). The sensitivity and specificity of frozen section analyses were approximately 75% and 99%, respectively. The 5-year probability of anastomotic and upper tract recurrences was low: 2% and 13%, respectively. Evidence of involvement of the ureter or at the ureteral anastomotic margin was associated with higher likelihood of upper tract recurrence but not anastomotic recurrence or overall survival. Furthermore, sequential resection of ureters to reach a negative anastomotic ureteral margin did not eliminate the risk of anastomotic or upper tract recurrence. Patients with involved ureters and/or ureteral anastomotic margins have a higher risk of upper tract recurrence. However, the overall risk of recurrence is low and is not clearly associated with overall survival. The data do not support routine intraoperative frozen sections to assess ureteral involvement.

The Risk of Upper Tract Recurrence Following Cystectomy in Patients with Transitional Cell Carcinoma Involving the Distal Ureter

Purpose Risk factors for the development of an upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma following radical cystectomy are identified. Materials and Methods The records of 430 patients who underwent cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder between 1981 and 1988 were retrospectively reviewed. Results Upper tract tumors developed in 11 patients (2.6 percent) at a median of 40 months after radical cystectomy. Of the potential risk factors evaluated only the presence of transitional cell carcinoma within the distal ureter showed a statistically significant correlation with upper tract recurrence (p = 0.001). Six of the 11 recurrent neoplasms were asymptomatic. Among the patients with upper urinary tract recurrence 5 died of disease, 4 had no evidence of disease and 2 were alive with cancer. Conclusions Patients with distal ureteral involvement at cystectomy are at a high risk for upper tract recurrence. These patients should be monitored with routine upper tract cytology and imaging studies.

The Risk of Upper Tract Recurrence Following Cystectomy in Patients with Transitional Cell Carcinoma Involving the Distal Ureter

The Risk of Upper Tract Recurrence Following Cystectomy in Patients with Transitional Cell Carcinoma Involving the Distal Ureter