Energy source comparison in en-bloc resection of bladder tumors: subanalysis of a single-center prospective randomized study

En Bloc Versus Conventional Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Oncological, Histopathological, and Surgical Outcomes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

En bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) has been introduced to enhance the quality of resection of bladder cancer. This review aims to compare the perioperative and oncological outcomes of ERBT and conventional transurethral resection of bladder tumor (cTURBT).

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify randomized controlled trials published until May 2024. The primary outcomes were the risk of recurrence and progression. The secondary outcomes were detrusor muscle (DM) presence, muscularis mucosae (MM) detectability, bladder perforation and obturator nerve reflex rates, operative time, length of catheterization and hospitalization, and residual tumor at repeat transurethral resection of bladder tumor (reTURBT).

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

Seventeen studies met our inclusion criteria. No statistically significant difference was observed in 12-mo recurrence (risk ratio [RR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-1.02; p = 0.08), 24-mo recurrence (RR 1.02, 95% CI: 0.85-1.22; p = 0.8), and 12-mo progression (RR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.05-10.14; p = 0.8) rates. ERBT was significantly associated with a higher DM presence (RR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.20; p = 0.02), while no statistically significant difference emerged in the residual tumor at reTURBT and MM detectability (all p > 0.05). ERBT was significantly associated with a lower risk of bladder perforation (p = 0.002) and obturator nerve reflex (p < 0.001). Finally, ERBT was significantly associated with longer operative time, lower catheterization time, and lower length of hospital stay. The main limitation was heterogeneity among the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

ERBT is safer due to fewer intraoperative events, but there was no significant difference in oncological outcomes compared with cTURBT. Higher DM detection with ERBT enhances initial disease stratification, potentially improving clinical decision-making and care delivery.

PATIENT SUMMARY

En bloc resection of bladder tumors is associated with lower intraoperative complications than and superior histopathological information to the conventional resection technique. However, the absence of a difference in oncological outcomes underscores the influence of factors such as tumor characteristics, surgeon expertise, and postoperative care on subsequent events.

Association of energy source with outcomes in en bloc TURB: secondary analysis of a randomized trial

PURPOSE

To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of different energy sources used for en-bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumors (ERBT) on perioperative outcomes.

METHODS

This sub-analysis derived from a prospective randomized study that enrolled patients undergoing ERBT vs conventional transurethral resection of the bladder (cTURB) from January 2019 to January 2022 (NCT03718754). Endpoints were pathological specimen quality and perioperative outcomes after either monopolar (m-ERBT) or bipolar (b-ERBT) or laser (l-ERBT) ERBT.

RESULTS

237 bladder tumors resected in 188 patients included in the analyses: 29 (12.2%) m-ERBT, 136 (57.4%) b-ERBT and 72 (30.4%) l-ERBT. Detrusor muscle (DM) was detected in 191 (80.6%) specimens. Per-tumor analysis revealed comparable rate of DM in the specimens obtained via different energy modalities (p = 0.7). Operative time was longer in the l-ERBT cohort compared to m-ERBT and b-ERBT (p = 0.02) and no obturator nerve reflex (ONR) onset was reported. On logistic regression analysis, b-ERBT was associated with negative lateral resection margins (OR 2.81; 95% CI 1.02-7.70; p = 0.04). There was no significant association of the resection technique with perforation and conversion rates (all p > 0.05). Within a median follow up of 22mo (IQR 11-29), a total of 35 (18.6%) patients had a local recurrence. On Cox regression analysis, patients resected with b-ERBT were less likely to have a recurrence (HR 0.34; 95% CI 0.15-0.78; p = 0.01); When adjusting for established confounders, this association was confirmed (HR 0.24; 95% CI 0.10-0.60; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Different energy sources might achieve comparable perioperative outcomes. Further perspectives involve the assessment of long-term differential oncological outcomes associated with various energy modalities.

Recent Advances and Emerging Innovations in Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) for Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Comprehensive Review of Current Literature

Bladder cancer management, particularly non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), has evolved significantly due to advancements in imaging techniques and surgical methodologies. Enhanced tumor visualization methods, including Photodynamic Diagnosis (PDD) and Narrow-Band Imaging (NBI), offer improved detection rates for both papillary tumors and carcinoma in situ (CIS), compared to traditional white-light cystoscopy (WLC). Recent studies suggest that these technologies enhance diagnostic accuracy, reduce recurrence rates, and improve oncological outcomes. Additionally, transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT), performed with advanced imaging, has demonstrated better resection quality, particularly in terms of detrusor muscle presence. Despite these innovations, challenges remain in the long-term impact on recurrence-free and progression-free survival. Artificial intelligence (AI) integration into cystoscopic imaging further promises enhanced diagnostic precision and cost-effective bladder cancer management. As personalized treatment paradigms emerge, predictive biomarkers, including genomic and pathological markers, may help stratify patients for aggressive treatment, sparing those at lower risk from unnecessary interventions. Future research should focus on validating these AI models and combining them with enhanced imaging modalities to refine treatment protocols further. These advancements collectively represent a significant leap toward precision medicine in bladder cancer care.

The Role of Morcellation in En Bloc Resection of Large Bladder Tumors

Background/Objectives: Conventional transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is usually performed in a piecemeal manner, leading to difficulties in accurate pathological assessment. En bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) has been developed to address these limitations, offering improved specimen quality. So far, ERBT has been restricted to small bladder tumors due to difficulties in en bloc extraction of large ones (>3 cm). Recently, the morcellation technique has been proposed to facilitate the removal of large bladder tumors during ERBT. This narrative review aims to evaluate the feasibility of ERBT with subsequent morcellation for large bladder tumors, focusing on its role in tumor extraction and its impact on pathological assessment. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases to identify studies evaluating the use of morcellation in ERBT for large bladder tumors. Inclusion criteria comprised studies reporting recurrence rates, detrusor muscle (DM) presence in pathological specimens, and perioperative complications. Additionally, we offered uropathologists a questionnaire to gather their perspectives on the use of morcellation following ERBT, focusing on its impact on pathological assessment, margin evaluation, and staging accuracy. Results: While there is limited evidence on the use of morcellation in ERBT for tumors larger than 3 cm and its impact on oncologic outcomes, morcellation has shown potential in facilitating the retrieval of large tumor specimens, ensuring clear resection margins and accurate staging. However, the learning curve for morcellation techniques and the need for specialized equipment may limit widespread adoption. Conclusions: Morcellation in ERBT for large bladder tumors represents a promising advancement in the management of these challenging cases, offering adequate pathological assessment and oncologic outcomes. Pathologists' reviews of morcellated specimens will likely further validate the technique. Continued research and technological innovations are necessary to optimize its implementation in clinical practice.

International consensus panel for transurethral resection of bladder tumours metrics: assessment of face and content validity

OBJECTIVE

To develop performance metrics that objectively define a reference approach to a transurethral resection of bladder tumours (TURBT) procedure, seek consensus on the performance metrics from a group of international experts.

METHODS

The characterisation of a reference approach to a TURBT procedure was performed by identifying phases and explicitly defined procedure events (i.e., steps, errors, and critical errors). An international panel of experienced urologists (i.e., Delphi panel) was then assembled to scrutinise the metrics using a modified Delphi process. Based on the panel's feedback, the proposed metrics could be edited, supplemented, or deleted. A voting process was conducted to establish the consensus level on the metrics. Consensus was defined as the panel majority (i.e., >80%) agreeing that the metric definitions were accurate and acceptable. The number of metric units before and after the Delphi meeting were presented.

RESULTS

A core metrics group (i.e., characterisation group) deconstructed the TURBT procedure. The reference case was identified as an elective TURBT on a male patient, diagnosed after full diagnostic evaluation with three or fewer bladder tumours of ≤3 cm. The characterisation group identified six procedure phases, 60 procedure steps, 43 errors, and 40 critical errors. The metrics were presented to the Delphi panel which included 15 experts from six countries. After the Delphi, six procedure phases, 63 procedure steps, 47 errors, and 41 critical errors were identified. The Delphi panel achieved a 100% consensus.

CONCLUSION

Performance metrics to characterise a reference approach to TURBT were developed and an international panel of experts reached 100% consensus on them. This consensus supports their face and content validity. The metrics can now be used for a proficiency-based progression training curriculum for TURBT.

Prospective non-randomized comparison of transurethral laser en bloc resection vs. conventional resection of bladder tumors larger than 3 cm

BACKGROUND

En bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) is an established surgical treatment method for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in tumors less than 3 cm. Data regarding the efficacy and safety of ERBT on larger than 3 cm tumors are sparse and its efficacy compared to conventional transurethral resection (TURBT) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to prospectively compare the feasibility, safety and oncological outcomes of laser (Tm-fiber) ERBT and TURBT in patients with primary bladder lesions ≥3 cm.

METHODS

A cohort of 45 patients who underwent surgery for primary NMIBC between February 2018 and March 2022 was collected prospectively. There was no randomization. All procedures were performed by two experienced surgeons. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age >18 years, primary Ta or T1 bladder tumor with a diameter of ≥3 cm, no more than 3 tumors and no history of upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Exclusion criteria were carcinoma in situ or invasion into muscle layer (≥T2). ERBT was performed with thulium fiber laser (IPG, Russia). Primary endpoints included efficacy with recurrence-free survival (RFS) at 3, 6 and 12 months. Secondary endpoints were safety parameters, perioperative data and specimen quality (the presence of muscle layer in specimens).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients underwent laser ERBT and 17 conventional TURBT. The location and size of the tumors were comparable in both groups. The success rate was 93.3% in the ERBT group with two cases of conversion from ERBT to TURBT. Detrusor muscle was present in 92.8% patients in the ERBT group versus 70.5% in the TURBT group (P=0.04). Obturator nerve reflex was observed only in the TURBT group: 17.6% vs. 0.0% (P=0.02). The frequency of other complications was comparable between the two groups. RFS was not statistically different between the two methods at 3 (93.9% vs. 94.1%, P=0.87), 6 (89.3% vs. 82.3%, P=0.5) and 12 months (89.3% vs. 70.6%, P=0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Laser ERBT is a feasible and safe procedure to manage bladder tumors larger than 3 cm. While it seems safer than TURBT, its effect on efficacy remains to be assessed in larger trials.

A novel laser resection approach: efficacy of rotatable bi-channel en bloc resection of bladder tumor in a pilot in-vivo study

En bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) involves removing bladder tumors and their base. Laser resection has been used to reduce complications including bleeding and obturator nerve reflex (ONR). We developed a novel approach (rotatable bi-channel en bloc resection of bladder tumor (RBC-ERBT)) and assessed its efficacy in a pilot in-vivo study to enhance laser ERBT's applicability in challenging bladder regions. In the laser RBC-ERBT procedure, lesions were excised by inserting a holmium laser through the rotating external working channel, while forceps were inserted through the internal working channel provided traction on the tissue. Fifteen laser RBC-ERBT procedures were performed in five different bladder areas of three live pigs. The technical success rate (TSR), procedure time, lesion size, occurrence of complications (bleeding, perforation, ONR), and detrusor muscle (DM) presence rate and DM thickness were evaluated. All 15 procedures were performed with a 100% TSR. The resections were successful in all bladder regions (posterior, left, right and anterior walls and dome). Median procedure time was 20 min. The resected specimen size was 10 mm × 7 mm to 17 mm × 13 mm. Mild bleeding occurred in two procedures (13.3%) but was effectively managed. No incidents of ONR or perforation were observed. Histological examination confirmed presence of DM in all specimens with a median DM thickness of 1.26 mm. Our pilot in-vivo study suggested the feasibility and effectiveness of laser RBC-ERBT for bladder tumors in various locations. This technique offers effective traction, improved visualization, and enhanced laser accessibility. Further studies are required to validate its effectiveness in humans.

Efficiency of transurethral en-bloc resection vs. conventional transurethral resection for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: An umbrella review

BACKGROUND

En-Bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) was clinically used to resect non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, discrepancies persist regarding the comparisons between ERBT and conventional transurethral resection of bladder tumor (cTURBT).

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and performed manual searches of reference lists to collect and extract data. Data evaluation was carried out using Review Manager 5.4.0, Rx64 4.1.3, and relevant packages.

RESULTS

There were nine eligible meta-analyses and nine eligible RCTs in our study. NMIBC patients undergoing ERBT were significant associated with a lower rate of bladder perforation and obturator nerve reflex compared to those receiving cTURBT. Our pooled result indicated that ERBT and cTURBT required similar operation time. Regarding postoperative outcomes, ERBT demonstrated superior performance compared to cTURBT in terms of detrusor muscle presence, catheterization time, and residual tumor. ERBT exhibited a higher rate of three-month recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared to those receiving cTURBT (p < 0.05; I2 = 0%). In bipolar subgroup, ERBT had a significant better 12-month RFS than cTURBT (p < 0.05; I2 = 0%). Simultaneously, the exclusion of Hybrid Knife data revealed a significant improvement in 12-month RFS associated with ERBT (p < 0.05; I2 = 50%).

CONCLUSION

Using a combination of umbrella review and meta-analysis, we demonstrated that ERBT had better or comparable perioperative outcome and improved 3 and 12 month RFS than cTURBT. We suggest that ERBT maybe a better surgical method for patients with NMIBC compared with cTURBT.

[Should we all switch to en-bloc resection of bladder tumours?]

In En-Bloc Resection of Bladder Tumours (ERBT), tumours are not removed in fragments, but are dissected in one layer and, if possible, extracted in one piece. This method represents a significant shift in the surgical management of non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours, providing multiple benefits over the traditional transurethral resection of the bladder (TUR-B). The histological analysis of ERBT specimens is more accurate, enhancing diagnostic precision. Additionally, the presence of detrusor muscle in ERBT specimens is more frequent, indicating a more complete removal of the tumours. Recent years have seen the consolidation of a robust evidence base emphasizing the advantages of ERBT. Notably, a multicentric, prospective randomized trial has recently revealed a significant reduction in recurrence rates at 12 months follow-up compared with TUR-B. Experienced endourologists should explore this technique, as it may soon become the standard of care. The technique's elegance and effectiveness make it too important to be ignored.

En bloc resection of bladder tumors (ERBT) revisited 12 years after reintroduction: too good to be further ignored

En bloc resection of bladder tumors (ERBT) orginally described in 1980 and adopted by few centers in the late 1990s has regained attention in the 2010s as a renaissance of a technique with high potential. The advent of new lasers indirectly lead to a better understanding of anatomical dissection from the experience in anatomical dissection in endoscopic enucleation of the prostate. 12 years after the reintroduction of ERBT evidence mounts that it is not only equivalent but better in some regards. However, ERBT still falls short with regard to wide adoption despite the striking technique inherent and reproducible features of accurate staging and specimen quality as requested by pathologist, as well and despite the high intraoperative safety and fast adoption of this technique even in early phase of training. The editorial walks the reader through the timeline of the renaissance speculating why there is a blockage between cognitive understanding and dissonance in surgical practice. The special issues presents the meta-analysis of surgical and oncological data on one hand and the level of understanding and power of this surgical technique in fields offsite oncological results in training achieving results almost right from the start after adoptation. Unlike in earlier years reviewing the literature of ERBT in 2023, ERBT seems not only to be a viable alternative, but something one should turn towards no to underperform with regards to the endpoints achievable by ERBT in a critical disease like bladder cancer.

Rotatable Bi-Channel En Bloc Resection of Bladder Tumor for Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer in an Ex Vivo Porcine Model

En bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) is a promising alternative for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer management. However, the tumor characteristics and surgeon's experience influence its application. Therefore, in this pilot study, we developed a technique called "rotatable bi-channel en bloc resection of bladder tumor (RBC-ERBT)" and assessed its feasibility, efficacy, and safety compared with those of conventional ERBT. In an ex vivo porcine bladder model, 160 bladder lesions of varying morphologies (exophytic and flat) and sizes (1 and 2 cm) were created and evenly distributed across different locations. A total of 160 procedures were performed, with the ERBT and RBC-ERBT group each exhibiting 80 lesions. RBC-ERBT had a significantly higher technical success rate than ERBT (98.8% vs. 77.5%) for exophytic and flat lesions of both sizes and dome lesions. The procedure time was significantly shorter in the RBC-ERBT group, particularly for flat lesions, lesions with a 2 cm diameter, and lesions located at the dome. RBC-ERBT had a significantly lower piecemeal resection rate than ERBT (0% vs. 18.8%). The incidence of perforation or detrusor muscle sampling did not differ between the groups. Compared with conventional ERBT, RBC-ERBT offered improved success rates, reduced resection times, and effective management of challenging lesions.

The Impact of En-bloc Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour on Clinical, Pathological and Oncological Outcomes: A Cohort Study

Background En-bloc transurethral resection of bladder tissue (ETURBT) has recently been proposed as a good alternative technique to trans-urethral resection of bladder tissue (TURBT) in terms of outcomes for bladder carcinoma. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the technique in terms of clinical, pathological and oncological outcomes. Methodology In this prospective study, data was collected from patients who underwent ETURBT for bladder space-occupying lesions between June 2021 and June 2022. Demographic characteristics, tumour characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Results A total of 52 patients were studied with the majority being male and a mean age of 50.87 years. Smoking was recorded in 22 (38.5%) patients and 8 (15.4%) were on antiplatelet therapy. The majority fell in the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class I (59.6%). Most of the tumours were solitary (90.4%), primary (82.8%), papillary architecture (73.1%), and between 1-3 cm in size. The lateral wall was the most common position, and detrusor muscle was seen in 98.1% of the specimens. T1 stage (57.7%) and low grade (67.3%) were the common characteristics noted. 76.9% of the ETURBT was conducted using monopolar cautery. Recurrence was noted in 3 (5.8%) and bladder perforation in 1 patient (1.9%). Cautery artifact was seen in six patients (11.5%) and obturator jerk in nine patients (17.3%). Conclusion Our study suggests that ETURBT is a technique with a good success rate for bladder tumours less than 3 cm in size. The benefits include high chances of detrusor sampling while minimising crush artefacts and cautery damage. Specimen retrieval was challenging when the bladder tumour was solid and over 2 cm.