Reconstructive options in genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma

Purpose: We attempted to develop a rational and consistent scheme for surgical reconstruction in patients with genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 35 patients with resectable genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma treated from 1970 to 1993. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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.