Transurethral electrovaporization of bladder cancer.
OBJECTIVE
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.
McKiernan
J M
JM
Department of Urology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Kaplan
S A
SA
Santarosa
R P
RP
Te
A E
AE
Sawczuk
I S
IS
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014521:Urethra; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*