Abstract This study assessed the value of routine annual imaging in identifying functional complications (uretero-enteric structure (UES) and urolithiasis) more than 5 years after radical cystectomy (RC) with ileal conduit. A total of eighty-two patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 7.3 years after RC. In total during the follow-up period more than 5 years after RC, 202 ultrasound examinations and 71 CT scans were performed. New or progressive hydronephrosis was identified in six imaging examinations (2.2%) involving six patients (7.3%). No UES were diagnosed through routine annual imaging; one UES was detected following symptom-driven diagnostic imaging. Routine annual imaging therefore does not significantly contribute to the detection of UES during the follow-up period beyond 5 years after RC. Imaging should be performed only when clinically indicated.
Ringia et al. (Wed,) studied this question.