Reliability of lymphography as a diagnostic aid in the planning of treatment for bladder carcinoma.

To assess the accuracy of lymphography, 90 lymphograms were compared with surgical and histological findings. Histological correlation with the initial report was found in 65 to 90 cases (72%). Comparison of the original radiologist's report with a recent re-examination showed agreement between the two radiological evaluations in only 74%. Although improvement in diagnostic accuracy can perhaps be obtained, we cannot yet recommend lymphography as an aid in the planning of treatment for bladder carcinoma.