Use of Bipolar Energy for Transurethral Resection of Superficial Bladder Tumors: Long-Term Results

Abstract

To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) with bipolar plasmakinetic energy. We reviewed the records of 121 patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder treated at our institute. Bipolar TURBT with plasmakinetic energy was performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in all patients. Resected tissue was examined by a pathologist who recorded the number of tumors, tumor size, tumor shape, location, grade, invasion of the muscularis propria, and presence of muscular invasion. The operating time, length of hospital stay, blood loss, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded by a urologist. Follow-up was 3 to 5.5 years after operation. The median age of the patients was 61 years; 41 patients had multiple tumors and 80 had single tumors. The mean tumor size was 1.9 cm in diameter. The tumor was located in the lateral wall of the bladder in 67 patients. The mean operative time was (25 +/- 16) minutes and the mean postoperative hospitalization period was 3 days. Three (2.5%) patients had hematuria requiring blood transfusion and 2 (1.7%) patients had bladder perforation. Adductor contraction was noted in 6 patients (4.9%), and urethral strictures occurred in 5 patients (4.1%). Transurethral resection of bladder tumors with bipolar plasmakinetic energy is safe and effective in the treatment of superficial bladder tumors.