title: Trans-urethral whole layer core biopsy for detection of residual tumor after neoadjuvant therapy in invasive bladder cancer.
abstract: The most essential information necessary for the treatment of bladder cancer is to know its exact staging. We have developed a percutaneous whole layer core biopsy (PC-WLCB) of the bladder tumor and applied it successfully since April 1985 for the staging and evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy in locally invasive bladder cancer. We report here a modified method, the trans-urethral WLCB (TU-WLCB) and present its clinical results. Methods: A 20 F. rigid nephroscope was introduced trans-urethrally and an 18 gauge, 350mm-long biopsy needle or newly developed 450mm-long biopsy needle was advanced to the tumor through the nephroscope. Biopsy was performed under trans-abdominal ultrasound guidance. Results: Specimens of all 20 TU-WLCB cases included the muscle layer and adipose tissue, and demonstrated small focus of residual cancers after neoadjuvant therapy. Serious complications were not observed so far. Conclusion: TU-WLCB may prove to be a reliable method to stage and evaluate neoadjuvant therapy for invasive bladder cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 1-1 Sieryou Machi, 980-8574, Aobaku, Senrai, Japan
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hoshi
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ono
authors.forename: K -i.
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ohyama
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Namima
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Orikasa