Multidetector CT Cystography Accurately Detects Urine Leaks after Prostatectomy

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) cystography, a diagnostic procedure used to examine the bladder, could be used to detect vesicourethral leaks after prostatectomy, according to a recent study.

At the Seoul National University College of Medicine (Republic of Korea), 46 patients who underwent prostatectomies were included in the study; 51 sets of MDCT and conventional cystographic images were evaluated. Results showed that the urinary leak detection rate using MDCT cystography was 80.4%; that compares to the 54.3% detection rate using conventional cystography,” said Sung I.L. Hwang, M.D., from lead author of the study. "MDCT can show the leakage point and the dimension of the defects which can help the clinician make a better treatment plan. Prolonged leaks can cause urinary incontinence. In our study, 37 out of 46 patients encountered vesicourethral leaks and an early and correct diagnosis of these leaks can eventually minimize urinary incontinence.”

Vesicourethral leaks are a common health complaint. "From an economical standpoint, early detection of urinary leaks by MDCT cystography is also beneficial because it can reduce a patient's hospital stay. However, we are not recommending this exam for everyone who has a prostatectomy because the exam includes radiation,” said Dr. Hwang. "We are recommending it for patients with a higher risk of leakage, for example, cases with technical difficulties during the anastomosis procedure or cases with short length of membranous urethra shown in preoperative MRI,” he said.

This study was published in the December 2008 issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

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Seoul National University College of Medicine