Current practice in the management of superficial bladder cancer in the Netherlands and Belgian Flanders: a survey.
OBJECTIVE
Because there is no national guideline for the diagnosis, therapy and follow up of (superficial) bladder cancer in the Netherlands and Belgium, the actual patient management may differ between urologists. The purpose of this study is to get insight in the current way urologists diagnose, treat and follow patients with superficial bladder cancer.


METHODS
All practising urologists in the Netherlands (n = 293) and Flemish speaking Belgium (Flanders, n = 223) received a questionnaire with regard to the current management of patients with superficial bladder cancer. The results were compared with the guidelines provided by the European Association of Urology (EAU). Also a comparison was made between the two countries and between university and community hospitals.


RESULTS
The results show a wide variation in current practice for superficial bladder cancer. Although the majority of urologists do not follow the EAU guidelines, current practice roughly matches these guidelines. There are no major differences between the two countries or between different types of hospitals. Discrepancies between current practice and guidelines are mostly too frequent use of techniques for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
In all, there is a need for clear guidelines in superficial bladder cancer and an effective implementation of such guidelines into everyday practice.
Witjes
J A
JA
Dept of Urology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands. f.Witjes@uro.umcn.nl
Melissen
D O T M
DO
Kiemeney
L A L M
LA
D001530:Belgium; D003558:Cystoscopy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*