Reconstructive options in genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma.

Abstract

We attempted to develop a rational and consistent scheme for surgical reconstruction in patients with genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma. We reviewed the records of 35 patients with resectable genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma treated from 1970 to 1993. Primary sites included bladder in 11 cases, prostate in 13, vagina/uterus in 9 and pelvic tumors of uncertain origin in 2. A total of 33 patients underwent surgery, including partial and radical cystectomy in 17 (bowel conduit diversion in 10, continent urinary diversion in 6 and ureterosigmoidostomy in 1). Overall 30 of the 33 surgical patients are free of disease 4 months to 24 years after diagnosis. A nonrefluxing colon conduit is appropriate at cystectomy. Continent diversion fashioned from the original conduit may be planned as the patient achieves a durable disease-free status.