Palliative urinary diversion in carcinoma of the cervix

Over a 28-year period, 46 patients with previously treated carcinoma of the cervix developed bilateral ureteral obstruction that was treated with palliative urinary diversion. All but 3 patients had elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, and 19 had received no prior treatment. Forty-one percent (19/46) lived 6 months or more and spent 86% of their remaining life out of the hospital. Various factors potentially affecting survival are examined, and guidelines for patient selection are offered.