Is routine urography necessary in all patients undergoing suprapubic transvesical prostatectomy?

One hundred and forty consecutive patients were offered transvesical prostatectomy after haematological and urinary investigations but without urography. The results of treatment are comparable to those in similar setting where urography had been performed as a routine procedure. While the renal function was generally poor in the earlier period, improving later in the study period, no urinary abnormality which would have affected outcome was missed by clinical assessment and other investigations. In view of the high cost of urography and possible adverse effects we believe that unless specifically indicated by presence of haematuria or loin pain urography is unnecessary in the diagnostic work of patients for transvesical prostatectomy.