Is a second look necessary in multiple and/or large Ta tumors?

Abstract

Introduction: Most of the bladder cancers are tumors without muscle invasion at the time of diagnosis. Transurethral resection is the standard treatment in bladder tumors without muscle invasion. Proper review of transurethral resection is important for correct risk classification. In this study, our main objective was to show that a “second look” in patients with multiple and/or > 3 cm tumors regardless of T stage during the early term can be helpful in detection of possible residues and determining risk classification. Materials and methods: 156 patients with primary, multiple and/or > 3 cm tumors were included in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups as Group 1 (Ta), Group 2 (T1 without second TUR) and Group 3 (T1 with second TUR). Macroscopic tumor occurrence rates were compared in their 3rd month control cystoscopy. Results: Macroscopic tumor detection rates in patients’ 3rd month control cystoscopy were 21 (46.7%) in Group 1, 18 (30%) in Group 2 and 4 (7.8%) in Group 3. When compared with Group 3 patients, Group 1 and Group 2 had higher statistically significant macroscopic tumor detection rates (p = 0.001) Conclusion: A second look in patients with multiple and/or > 3 cm tumors during early term will enable the surgeons to detect possible tumors and do a better job in risk classification.