Between 1979 and 1984, 136 patients underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for the treatment of invasive carcinoma of the bladder. Of the patients 38 were 70 years old or more and they were considered elderly. The mortality rates for those less than 70 compared to those more than 70 years old were 1 and 5 per cent, respectively, and the morbidity rates were 39 and 34 per cent, respectively, with wound separation being the most common complication. There was no statistically significant difference with respect to age in the morbidity or mortality rates. The median hospital stay was 14 days but if a complication occurred the hospital stay was significantly longer. For elderly patients in general good health, radical cystectomy and urinary diversion should not be withheld on the basis of age alone.