Transurethral electrovaporization of bladder cancer.

Overview

OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of transurethral electrovaporization in the treatment of large superficial bladder tumors. METHODS: The records of 9 consecutive patients with large superficial bladder tumors treated by transurethral electrovaporization were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent vaporization of superficial tumor with either a grooved or smooth rollerball electrode. Tumor characteristics, blood loss, operative time, and length of hospital stay were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 12 bladder tumors were treated in 9 patients. The mean tumor size was 4.3 cm in diameter and the mean operative time was 80 minutes with a range of 60 to 100 minutes. No complications were noted and only 1 patient required a transfusion. The mean fall in hematocrit was 0.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral electrovaporization represents a new application of electrosurgery that is safe and effective in the treatment of large superficial bladder tumors.