Modification for computerized tomographic staging of infiltrative bladder carcinoma

Technique modifications for computed tomographic staging of infiltrative bladder carcinoma are aimed at maximizing image quality and reducing artifactual problems, particularly those associated with the effects of motion owing to poor patient cooperation. Patients unable to tolerate a lengthy procedure or the prone position have been studied using a low density contrast technique with controlled bladder distension. Although the intravesical tumor component often is not as dramatically demonstrated as with the gas insufflation technique the accuracy of both staging procedures appears to be high. The tendency towards overstaging is common to bladder opacification and gas insufflation techniques but this may be reduced considerably by bowel opacification when necessary and the use of intravenous contrast enhancement techniques.