[en] The objective was to determine the risk of post-operative complications in patients receiving high-dose pelvic irradiation before radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. The post-operative course, including the duration of hospital stay, peri-operative complications and early functional results, did not differ from a control group of non-irradiated patients, and no patients died. The mean follow-up was 22 months (range 10-37) and revealed satisfactory results in seven of 11 patients. A neovesicoperitoneal fistula developed in one woman 10 months after surgery and was repaired by laparotomy. A neovesicovaginal fistula led to supravesical urinary diversion in the second woman. High-dose pelvic irradiation should not be a primary contra-indication for orthotopic urinary diversion using segments of small intestine. For patients who undergo combined external and after loading radiotherapy, the indication for orthotopic bladder replacement should be considered critically. (Author)