Urologic Complications Related to Cancer and Its Treatment

Abstract

Overview Urologic complications of cancer itself or its treatment often require timely identification and intervention. In patients with early‐stage disease, skilled multidisciplinary management of urologic complications is critical to ensure optimal renal function and delivery of adequate doses of chemotherapy that do not compromise the likelihood of cure. Similarly, the management of urologic complications such as urinary obstruction in patients with metastatic disease can have a significant impact on the quality of life. Multiple sites of ureteric obstruction, long occlusions, or a tortuous ureter may be indications to proceed directly with percutaneous nephrostomy instead of ureteral stenting. In contrast to urinary obstruction in newly diagnosed prostate cancer that is likely sensitive to androgen deprivation, castrate‐resistant prostate cancer will likely require more permanent relief of obstruction, either by nephrostomy or suprapubic catheter.