Objective: To assess the factors influencing urinary nitrosamine production in patients with enterocystoplasties.
Patients, subjects and methods: The study comprised 100 patients with an enterocystoplasty, 20 patients with interstitial cystitis, 30 with infective cystitis and 120 control subjects drawn from hospital staff and out-patients. Urinary nitrosamine levels were measured and the urine samples cultured for microorganisms.
Results: Nitrosamine levels were significantly higher only in patients with enterocystoplasties who also had higher urinary white cell counts or significant bacteriuria.
Conclusion: Patients with an enterocystoplasty and significant bacteriuria are most at risk from potential nitrosamine-induced epithelial injury.