Cost-effective analysis of pre-cystectomy radioisotope scans.

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of liver and bone isotope scans results were reviewed in 114 patients with invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. In 100 patients cystectomy was performed. In no patient has the results of the scans influenced or changed treatment. Routine use of isotope scans is not warranted for the preoperative evaluation of bladder cancer patients.