[An analysis of upper urinary tract recurrence following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer]

Transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium is often multifocal, and subsequent tumors may occur anywhere in the urinary tract afer treating the initial carcinoma. The risk of an upper urinary tract recurrence following a radical cystectomy has been reported to be approximately 2 to 8%, but there are few reports with regard to the pattern and predictive factors of upper tract recurrence. We report here the incidence and pattern of upper tract recurrence following a radical cystectomy. Of the 166 patients 5 (3%) had upper tract recurrence. The prognosis of upper urinary tract recurrence is significantly better than other site of recurrence.