[Can the prostatic capsule be preserved during cystectomy for bladder tumors: a study of urethral and prostatic involvement in the cystectomy specimens]. / Peut-on préserver la coque prostatique au cours des cystectomies pour tumeur de vessie: étude de l'atteinte urétrale et prostatique sur les pièces de cystectomie.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of urethral and prostatic lesions on cystectomy specimens for bladder tumour. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective histological study was based on 260 specimens: radical cystectomies performed in 7 operative sites. The prostate and urethra were analysed in 3 planes (upper, middle and lower thirds). The apex was studied separately. Urethral invasion was identified by continuity of the tumour or by the presence of vesical CIS. RESULTS: Urethral involvement is frequent (30.6% cases) essentially due to contiguous invasion (43/80). CIS is the second pathological association (44 urethral CIS/75 bladder CIS). Prostatic adenocarcinoma was present in 17.8% of cases with a Gleason score > 6 for 30% of lesions. CONCLUSION: The high frequency of urethral and prostatic involvement does not justify preservation of the prostate during cystectomy. A serial prospective study should define the precise criteria able to minimize the risk of conservative surgery.