Purpose: We developed a new transurethral resection technique that not only removes the entire tumor, but also the surrounding mucosa and underlying stroma with superficial proper muscle in 1 piece to determine accurately the depth of invasion and infiltration pattern of superficial bladder cancer.
Materials and methods: A short curved needle electrode is used to make a circular incision around and level incisions underneath the tumor, and for tumor retrieval.
Results: Tissue sections of the cut surface crossing the tumor center revealed accurate histology regarding the growth pattern and depth of invasion. No perforation, uncontrollable bleeding or other serious complications occurred.
Conclusions: More accurate histological diagnosis regarding the growth pattern and depth of lamina propria invasion was possible with removal of the tumor and surrounding material in 1 piece compared to conventional transurethral resection.