[Mortality and complications from cystectomy of bladder cancer]

The operative mortality and early and late complications were analyzed in 241 patients submitted to cystectomy for bladder cancer over a 7.5-year period. Of these, 92% were males and 8% females; mean patient age was 60 years. Preoperative radiotherapy of 2,500-6,000 rads was given to 114 patients. There were 33 (13.7%) operative deaths; the incidence being statistically significantly higher for those who had previously received radiotherapy. Early complications presented in 39% of the cases, and 44% had late complications. The complication rates were not influenced by preoperative radiotherapy.