Exfoliative cytology after transurethral resection of superficial bladder tumours

Fifty-one patients with predominantly superficial bladder tumours underwent prospective cytological examination at predetermined intervals following surgery in order to evaluate the prognostic reliability of bladder irrigation cytology. The results suggest that positive cytology 3 days after radical transurethral resection is a reliable indicator of incomplete resection or additional occult tumour foci. The implications for post-operative management and follow-up are discussed.