OBJECTIVES: I. Assess the quality of life of patients with invasive stage II, III, or IV carcinoma of the urothelium treated with conservative surgery plus cisplatin, fluorouracil, and radiotherapy. II. Determine the efficacy of this regimen, in terms of local control, in these patients. III. Determine survival of patients treated with this regimen. IV. Determine the toxic effects of this regimen in these patients.