Transurethral bladder tumor resection: intraoperative and postoperative complications in a residency setting

We established a database on the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with transurethral bladder tumor resection (TURBT) in an academic teaching setting, and we prospectively recorded all TURBTs performed by residents and fellows in our urology department.

: We prospectively evaluated all TURBTs performed between November 2003 and October 2004. All cases were performed at least in part by residents and fellows under direct attending supervision at a single academic medical center with 3 different teaching hospitals. Intraoperative complications were recorded by the resident and attending surgeon at the completion of the operative procedure. At patient discharge from the hospital the data sheet was reviewed, and length of stay, postoperative transfusions and any other complications were recorded.

A total of 173 consecutive TURBTs were performed by residents and fellows at 3 different teaching hospitals. There were 10 (5.8%) complications, including 4 (2.3%) cases of hematuria that required blood transfusion and 6 (3.5%) cases of bladder perforation. Of these 6 perforations 4 were small extraperitoneal perforations requiring only prolonged catheter drainage. These perforations were caused by residents in their first or third year of urology training. Two perforations were intraperitoneal, caused by a senior resident or a fellow, 1 of which required abdominal exploration to control bleeding.

TURBT is a reasonably safe procedure when performed by urologists in training under direct attending supervision. The complication rate was 5.8%, however only 1 case required surgical intervention. Contrary to expected findings, more senior residents were involved in the complications, likely secondary to their disproportionate roles in more difficult resections.