Can we perform frozen section instead of repeat transurethral resection in bladder cancer?

OBJECTIVE: To confirm frozen section (FS) method for muscularis propria (MP) sampling and to compare the FS method with the ReTUR section (RS) procedure to reduce needing for second resection that can cause waste of time for definitive treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. METHODS: A total of 27 patients who admitted to our clinic and was performed transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-BT) due to bladder tumor and had an indication of ReTUR were evaluated prospectively in the study. During the first TUR-BT procedure (as permanent section), FS examination was also performed to the patients. ReTUR was performed 2-6 weeks after the first TUR-BT procedure. RESULTS: Presences of MP were observed in 51.8% and 77.7% of FS and permanent section examinations. In the comparing of the presence of residual tumor in the methods, although 12 of 27 patients were found to have a residual tumor in FS, it was found to be in only 6 of 12 patients in RS. There was no statistical significance between FS and RS methods for MP sampling and detecting of residual tumor. CONCLUSIONS: FS was found to be a comparable method with the RS method (ReTUR procedure) for the sampling of MP and detecting of residual tumor, despite the limitations in the pathological examination FS. Especially in patients with detected residual tumor after the pathological consultation of FS during the procedure, re-resection can be a choice at the end of the first TUR-BT instead of ReTUR.