Transrectal ultrasonography for staging tumors of the urinary bladder

Transurethral ultrasonography appears to help the urologist stage transitional cell tumors of the bladder. On the basis of the depth of invasion, one can determine whether transurethral resection of tumors will be adequate or whether segmental resection or cystoprostatectomy is required. The adequacy of transurethral resection of tumors can be monitored by comparing the depth of resection with the initial ultrasound examination. Pelvic lymph nodes cannot be assessed by transurethral ultrasound, and therefore CT, MRI, or lymphangiography must be used as well. Currently, CT scanning is the preferred modality because it is noninvasive, simple, inexpensive, and widely available. Other pelvic disorders, including gynecologic disease and neoplasms of gastrointestinal, neural, or bony origin, also may be assessed by transurethral ultrasonography, although experience with its use for these purposes is limited.