Incidental appendectomy during radical cystectomy - Is it necessary?

Objectives. To evaluate the rationale behind incidental appendectomy during radical cystectomy. Incidental appendectomy during radical cystectomy is done to avoid the morbidity due to the future development of appendicitis and an additional operation. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of 105 patients who underwent radical cystectomy during an 8-year period (1986 to 1993). Appendectomy was incorporated in the initial 40 radical cystectomies and was avoided in the next 65 radical cystectomies. Results. We had a median follow-up of greater than 10 years in patients who underwent appendectomy along with radical cystectomy and of more than 7 years in patients in whom appendectomy was avoided. None of the patients from either group had any complication related to the appendicular pathologic findings. Conclusions. The data from this study suggest that no advantage exists in persisting with incidental appendectomy during radical cystectomy. (C) 2002, Elsevier Science Inc.