[Prolonging of the follow-up intervals for non-invasive bladder tumors]

Traditionally, patients with non-invasive bladder tumours are evaluated every three months in the first year(s) after primary resection. In a randomised controlled design we evaluated the consequences of doubling the follow-up intervals for patients with non-invasive bladder tumours (Ta) grade I and II without concomitant urothelial dysplasia. The patients were allocated to one of the two regimens: Regimen I: follow-up every three months for the first two years, every sixth month in the third year and thereafter once a year. Regimen II: every sixth month the first year, and once a year thereafter. Follow-up examinations were usually performed by transabdominal ultrasound, but cystoscopy was performed once a year in all patients. Of the 97 evaluable patients, three patients in regimen I and one patient in regimen II progressed in relation to stage and/or grade in the study period. No patient died from the tumour disease. There was no difference with regard to recurrence and progression between the two groups.