title: En bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumors: use and limits.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the feasibility and safety of transurethral en bloc resection of bladder tumors using a flat loop. Transurethral en bloc resection of bladder tumors facilitates pathologic evaluation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 37 patients with papillary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder underwent transurethral en bloc resection with the use of a flat loop electrode.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 37 patients, 62 lesions were removed using a flat loop to perform the en bloc technique. This method is safe to perform in the case of papillary tumors with a diameter of up to 25 mm and that are found in specific areas of the bladder.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is both safe and feasible to perform en bloc resection with a flat loop electrode but attention must be paid to the limitations of this technique. Excellent pathologic evaluation of the grade and stage of the removed specimen is possible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, General Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lodde
authors.forename: Lukas
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lusuardi
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Palermo
authors.forename: Diego
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Signorello
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Maier
authors.forename: Rudolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hohenfellner
authors.forename: Armin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pycha
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D015653:Cystectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003558:Cystoscopy; D004566:Electrodes; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011468:Prostatectomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000293:injuries; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*