Characteristics of bladder recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy in upper urinary tract cancer

Introduction: Urothelial cancer can develop in the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder and the proximal urethra as urothelial tissue can be found in these organs. Upper tract urothelial carcinoma is rare but better understanding of the natural history of the disease is important because bladder recurrence often occurs after radical nephroureterectomy. Aim and method: Our retrospective study aims to describe the general characteristics of patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy at the Department of Urology, Semmelweis University, between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2016. Additionally, we aimed to identify risk factors of bladder recurrence after radical surgery. Results: 160 patients had radical nephroureterectomy and 135 of them had urothelial upper urinary tract cancer. The mean follow-up period was 32 months (SD: 30.25), bladder recurrence was diagnosed at 31 patients (23%), the average time for the recurrence was 19.6 months (SD: 29.7). Recurrence occurred significantly earlier among older patients (p = 0.007) and it was also associated with hypertonia of the patients (p = 0.035). Conclusion: Upper tract urothelial cancer recurrence occurs earlier among older and multimorbid patients. Careful watching of these patients (frequent reminder to regular cystoscopy and control examinations) could reduce further complications.