Thulium laser enucleation of bladder tumour (Thulebt): Changing paradigm in the management of nonmuscle invasive urinary bladder carcinoma

Abstract

Objectives:To analyse the safety and efficacy of Thulium laser en bloc enucleation of bladder tumour (ThuLEBT) in comparison to transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) for treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).Methods:Prospective observational study involving 30 patients in each group of ThuLEBT and TURBT admitted in tertiary care centre from 1st January 2021 to December 2021.Results:Significant difference was found in terms of less operative time ( p-0.01468), less intraoperative blood loss, a lower incidence of obturator nerve reflex ( p-0.00006), bladder perforation ( p-0.0455) and bladder irrigation ( p-0.0027), better acquisition of detrusor muscle ( p-0.0466), less recurrence rate ( p-0.0455) in favour of ThuLEBT over TURBT group. The analysis also demonstrated faster postoperative recovery in terms of the duration of catheterisation, bladder irrigation and hospitalisation time in ThuLEBT group.Conclusions:ThuLEBT is an efficient and safe treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and it can be a better alternative choice in place of TURBT.