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In order to evaluate the urologic complications following operation for malignant disease of the rectosigmoid colon, 68 patients were given thorough, preoperative urologic examinations. Microscopic study and cultures of the urine should be made of every patient before operation. Preoperative treatment of infection reduces the risk of postoperative infectious complications. The most severe complications arise from the surgical procedures themselves. Routine catheterization of the patient should be employed to protect the bladder from sagging and the detrusor muscle from being weakened. Neither preoperative nor simultaneous prostatectomy should be attempted in these patients. Perineal prostatectomy during abdominoperineal resection may lead to a urinary fistula. The risk of injury to the nerve supply of the bladder is reduced to a minimum if the surgeon locates the proper plane of dissection. Careful dissection also is required during the perineal stage to avoid damage of the urethra and the prostate. © 1974 Southern Medical Association.

A new 'bone seeking' agent, namely the organic compound diphosphonate labeled with 99Tc(m), was tried in 21 patients for skeletal scanning. In 3 cases, although the clinical and roentgenographic evidence of bone lesions was absent, bone metastases were found, and these were confirmed histologically. The organic diphosphonate is more stable compared to the inorganic polyphosphates and the images obtained are excellent.