PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 50 and over Performance status: Not specified Life expectancy: At least 5 years Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Creatinine greater than 1.8 mg/dL No prior superficial bladder cancer, urethral stricture, or bladder neck contracture No active urinary tract infection No upper urinary tract disease No compromised renal function No urinary tract fistula No urethral stenosis Other: No inflammatory bowel disease No interest in future fertility No prior HIV infection, AIDS, or other immunosuppression No known latex hypersensitivity Mentally coherent and capable of completing symptom and quality of life questionnaires No prior or concurrent illness or surgery that would preclude study or follow-up