Case against routine 2-stage cystectomy for carcinoma of the bladder

A total of 25 patients with carcinoma of the bladder was subjected to urinary diversion, staged irradiation and total cystectomy. Of these 25 patients 1 died after cystectomy, for a mortality rate of 4 per cent. Complications occurred in 60 per cent of the patients. The projected 5-year survival rate is 49 per cent. We conclude that this protocol offers no advantages over radiation followed by cystectomy and diversion, and we believe that the procedure is unwarranted except in individualized instances.