The value of lymphography in the management of bladder cancer.

Summary 228 bilateral pedal lymphograms in patients with bladder cancer have been correlated with the features of the primary bladder tumour and patient survival. In 70 cases, radiographic findings were correlated with operative node histology. The results show that it is not possible to predict accurately which cases have lymphatic spread without this investigation. Positive lymphograms were found in 91 cases, and were associated with a very poor prognosis. Only 6% of patients with unilaterally involved iliac nodes survived 5 years, and all patients with bilateral iliac or para-aortic disease died within 3 years. Histological correlation was found in 90% of cases, and the results indicate that this investigation slightly underestimates the incidence and extent of microscopic lymphatic metastases. It is concluded that this investigation is essential in planning the treatment of infiltrating bladder turnours.