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Transurethral electrovaporization of bladder cancer
J M McKiernan1, S A Kaplan, R P Santarosa
1Department of Urology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Objectives:
To describe the use of transurethral electrovaporization in the treatment of large superficial bladder tumors.
Methods:
The records of 9 consecutive patients with large superficial bladder tumors treated by transurethral electrovaporization were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent vaporization of superficial tumor with either a grooved or smooth rollerball electrode. Tumor characteristics, blood loss, operative time, and length of hospital stay were recorded.
Results:
A total of 12 bladder tumors were treated in 9 patients. The mean tumor size was 4.3 cm in diameter and the mean operative time was 80 minutes with a range of 60 to 100 minutes. No complications were noted and only 1 patient required a transfusion. The mean fall in hematocrit was 0.7%.
Conclusions:
Transurethral electrovaporization represents a new application of electrosurgery that is safe and effective in the treatment of large superficial bladder tumors.