Treatment of superficial bladder cancer with transurethral holmium laser resection

Abstract

Objective To compare the therapeutic effect between holmium laser and standard transurethral resection on superficial bladder cancer. Methods One hundred and twelve patients were divided into holmium laser resection of bladder cancer (HOLBT) group 90 cases and transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) group 22 cases, according to surgical procedure. The intraoperatvie and postoperative status were compared between both groups. Results The vesical perforation rate, numbers of blood transfusion, catheterization time, hospital stay and urinary tract infection rate were significantly lower in HOLBT group than that in TURBT group. There was no difference in mean operative time, blood transfusion and urinary tract stenosis between the two groups. The 5-year recurrence rate was lower in HOLBT group than that in TURBT group. Conclusions Holmium laser is a safe, effective alternative in treating superficial bladder cancer, which has fewer complication and recovering time, fast recovery and lower recurrence rate. Key words: Holmium laser; Transurethral resection of bladder tumor; Superficial bladder cancer; Recurrences