[Characteristics of bladder leiomyoma in our setting].

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence, form of presentation, symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment most commonly used, and prognosis of leiomyoma of the bladder in our setting.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, multicenter analysis of the last 700 cases submitted to surgery for a bladder tumor that was found to be leiomyoma of the bladder. We reviewed the Spanish literature of the last twenty years for the following variables: patient age, sex, presenting symptoms, incidental finding or not, value of the tests performed, treatment, follow-up and prognosis.

RESULTS

Leiomyoma of the bladder accounted for 0.43% of the bladder tumors diagnosed at three urological centers. Apart from the three cases described, ten additional cases are reviewed. Forty-six percent were incidentally discovered. US proved to be the best diagnostic method. Treatment was frequently by open surgery. The prognosis was excellent; there has been no recurrence at 22 months' mean follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Leiomyoma of the bladder is a benign tumor with little or no clinical symptoms or signs, often discovered incidentally during US and accounts for 0.5% of the cases that had undergone surgery for a bladder tumor.