Cost effective analysis of prenephrectomy radioisotope scans in renal cell carcinoma

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of liver and bone isotope scans, results of scans were reviewed in 60 patients with renal cell carcinoma. In no patient did the results of the scans influence or change the treatment plan. Routine utilization of radioisotope scans as part of the preoperative evaluation of patients with renal cell carcinoma should be discouraged.