Incidence of recurrent bladder cancer in patients requiring admission for abdominal pain long after cystectomy.

BACKGROUND

Malignant disease is often considered in the workup of the acute abdomen, especially when there is a history of intra-abdominal, neoplastic disease. The treatment of bladder cancer frequently involves intra-abdominal procedures, but the incidence of recurrent bladder cancer as the cause of an acute abdomen is unknown.

METHODS

In a retrospective, 13-year study, the cause of abdominal pain in 29 patients with a history of surgery for bladder cancer was reviewed. Evaluations included analysis of all clinical, laboratory, radiologic, and pathologic data prior to and during hospitalization, where available.

RESULTS

Fourteen of 18 patients 38.9 +/- 10.8 months after cystectomy and 10 of 11 patients 18.9 +/- 10.8 months after noncystectomy procedures had recurrent bladder cancer. Computed tomography, when used, identified all cases of recurrent cancer prior to exploratory surgery.

CONCLUSION

Abdominal pain requiring admission in patients with a remote history of cystectomy for bladder cancer is likely due to recurrent disease.