Surgery for invasive bladder tumors: technique and outcome

The operative management of invasive transitional cell carcinoma has advanced significantly in the past year, particularly with respect to continent urinary diversion. The long term safety and efficacy of this form of urinary reconstruction is being established in terms of both operative and metabolic complications. The availability of continent diversion can decrease the interval to cystectomy and therefore may impact positively on survival. It has also been shown that continent diversion can safely be offered to patients at high risk for local recurrence. The importance of urethral sensory threshold on postoperative continence is being established. These findings and others continue to enhance the survival and quality of life of patients undergoing cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer.