TRANSURETHRAL ELECTROVAPORIZATION OF BLADDER-CANCER

Objectives. To describe the use of transurethral electrovaporization i n the treatment of large superficial bladder tumors. Methods. The reco rds of 9 consecutive patients with large superficial bladder tumors tr eated by transurethral electrovaporization were retrospectively review ed. All patients underwent vaporization of superficial tumor with eith er a grooved or smooth rollerball electrode. Tumor characteristics, bl ood loss, operative time, and length of hospital stay were recorded. R esults. A total of 12 bladder tumors were treated in 9 patients. The m ean 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 no ted and only 1 patient required a transfusion. The mean fall in hemato crit was 0.7%. Conclusions, Transurethral electrovaporization represen ts a new application of electrosurgery that is safe and effective in t he treatment of large superficial bladder tumors.