Study Overview

This study evaluates the effectiveness of different energy sources used in a procedure called en-bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumors (ERBT). The goal is to understand how these methods impact patient outcomes during and after surgery.

Methods

The research analyzed data from a clinical trial involving patients who underwent ERBT or conventional transurethral resection of the bladder (cTURB) between January 2019 and January 2022. The study focused on the quality of tissue samples and various surgical outcomes based on the type of energy source used: monopolar, bipolar, or laser.

Results

A total of 237 bladder tumors were removed from 188 patients. The breakdown of energy sources used was:

Monopolar (m-ERBT): 29 tumors (12.2%)
Bipolar (b-ERBT): 136 tumors (57.4%)
Laser (l-ERBT): 72 tumors (30.4%)

The study found that:

Detrusor muscle was present in 80.6% of the tissue samples.
All energy methods had similar rates of detrusor muscle detection.
Laser resection took longer than monopolar and bipolar methods.
Bipolar method was linked to better outcomes, with fewer instances of cancer returning.

Conclusions

All energy sources used in ERBT provided similar immediate surgical results. However, the bipolar method showed a significantly lower chance of cancer recurrence over time. Further studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of these different energy sources.

Practical Healthcare Recommendations

Define Measurable Outcomes

Clinics should focus on tracking the recurrence rates of bladder cancer and the quality of surgical samples as key performance indicators for evaluating treatment effectiveness.

Select AI Tools That Fit Clinical Needs

Consider implementing AI solutions that help analyze patient data and predict outcomes based on the energy source used during surgery.

Implement Step by Step and Expand

Start with a pilot project using AI tools to monitor results from the ERBT procedures. Analyze the real-world impact of these technologies on patient outcomes.