Urethral carcinoma after cystectomy: the case for routine urethrectomy

Eight out of 73 men developed urethral carcinoma after cystectomy and died within 26 months. Of the patients at risk, the calculated incidence of urethral tumour was 2.7 per cent per annum. Prophylactic urethrectomy is recommended for all patients having cystectomy for carcinoma, whatever type of tumour they have. In men without urethral involvement it may be delayed until they have recovered fully from cystectomy. The whole length of the urethra should always be removed, including the fossa navicularis.