Total cystectomy for bladder tumor: eight-year experience

Between 1975 and 1982, 39 patients underwent total cystectomy and urinary diversion at our hospitals. The type of urinary diversions were ileal conduit (32 cases) and ureterocutaneostomy (7 cases). Preoperative irradiation was used in 10 patients. The postoperative mortality rate was 2.6%. Early complications occurred in 38.5% and included wound infection, acute pyelonephritis, intestinal obstruction, pelvic infection, intestinal leakage and/or medical complications. Ureteroileal stricture was most frequent in late complications. Over-all relative 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 92.4, 56.6, 41.7%, respectively. Survival was dependent on the stage and the grade of the tumor. No significant difference was found between the older (greater than or equal to 65 years old) and the younger (less than 65 years old) groups.