Laser En-bloc Resection of Bladder Tumor is a minimally invasive technique used to remove bladder tumors in one piece (en-bloc), using a laser (commonly Holmium or Thulium laser). It is an alternative to conventional TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor).
Who Needs ?
- Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC)
- Tumors Suitable for En-bloc Technique
- Patients Needing Clear Histopathology
- Patients at Higher Risk from Conventional TURBT
How the Procedure Works:
- Anesthesia
- Cystoscopy
- Laser En-bloc Resection
- Specimen Retrieval
- Post-operative Care
Advantages:
- Complete tumor removal in a single piece – better for diagnosis
- Minimal bleeding and lower risk of bladder perforation
- Lower recurrence rates in some studies
- Accurate pathology due to intact tissue margins
- Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay
Limitations / Risks:
- Tumor Size Limitations
- Tumor Location
- Requires Specialized Equipment & Training
- Specimen Retrieval Issues
- Cost & Accessibility