Pilot study of en-bloc resection with laser for a bladder tumour

After removal of a tumour in bladder cancer the prognosis is usually excellent. However, at least half of patients get frequent recurrences which require further surgical removal. The current method for surgical removal is out-dated; it involves chopping the tumour into small pieces using a telescope and which are then individually removed. This is unlike other, precise surgery techniques used to remove the tumour in one piece in other cancers.

The main aim of this research, led by Mr Hugh Mostafid, is to develop a new precision technique using a laser fibre to remove tumours of the bladder in one piece. The researchers plan to adapt equipment that is already available to urologists (laser fibres and telescopes). This will mean no additional cost to the NHS.

This study will involve 50 patients between two centres, Hampshire Hospital and Royal County Surrey Hospital, Guilford. The recurrence rate of three months after surgery will be used to measure the effectiveness of this technique compared to standard ones. If successful, this would represent a major advance in precision surgery with the potential to reduce recurrence rates with benefits for patients and the NHS.