Nephrostomy in cancer patients: to do or not to do?

One hundred patients who have had nephrostomies performed for obstructive uropathy in the presence of extensive carcinoma have been retrospectively analysed. Patients with prostatic and cervical carcinoma had a moderately good long-term survival and quality of life, but those with bladder carcinoma or other primary sites had poor results. Significant factors in the selection of patients for nephrostomy drainage in the presence of pelvic cancer are discussed.