Pelvic recurrence after radical cystectomy without preoperative radiation.

Between March 1, 1983 and December 31, 1985, 178 patients underwent radical cystectomy without preoperative radiation on the urology service at our university hospital and tumor institute. Of the patients 33 per cent received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Over-all, the pelvic recurrence rate was 6 per cent. The recurrence rate by stage was stage O/A 2 per cent, stage B 5 per cent, stage C 6 per cent and stage D 15 per cent. The results demonstrate that adequate local control can be achieved without routine use of preoperative radiation.