CYSTOGRAPHY AFTER RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY - CLINICAL CONSEQUENCES OF PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Abnormal cystograms following radical retropubic prostatectomy has bee n correlated with further complications by some authors. We reviewed 7 0 cystograms special regard to the clinical implications of abnormal f indings. A total of 70 patients, with prostatic carcinoma underwent ra dical retropubic prostatectomy. Cystography was obtained between the 1 0th and 21th postoperative day to assess the integrity of the vesicour ethral anastomosis before removal of the catheter. If extravasation wa s present, the catheter was left in place until the extravasation vani shed. Development of anastomotic strictures and incontinence was corre lated with the initial cystography. Mean follow-up of the patients was 3,9 years. In 14% extravasation was observed within the 10th and 21st postoperative day. 7% of the catheters were left longer than 21 days, but never more than 29 days. During follow-up anastomotic strictures occurred in 10 patients (14%), but only one of these patients had had a significant leak at cystography. Of these 10 patients, however, 5 ha d positive urethral margins in their histological examination and in 3 local recurrence could be verified by TUR of the anastomotic strictur e.