Transurethral needle biopsy: a novel technique for pathologic diagnosis of bladder tumors in children

Although rare, both benign and malignant bladder tumors are occasionally encountered in the pediatric population. In the present article, the technique of transurethral needle biopsy, which utilizes an 18-gauge core biopsy instrument inserted through a 9.5 French offset pediatric cystoscope to obtain diagnostic biopsies, is described. This technique has been used successfully in two patients, both of whom had an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor on biopsy and on final pathology from partial cystectomy. This provides an alternative technique, which may be used when a pediatric resectoscope is not available or in patients with a small caliber urethra.