Clinical observation on 2 micron laser for non-muscle-invasive bladder tumor treatment: single-center experience

Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 2 micron continuous wave laser resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder tumor (NMIBT) compared with holmium laser resection of bladder tumor (HoLRBT) and standard transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). Since April 2006 to August 2007, 97 patients with NMIBT were retrospectively collected in this study. All of them were classified into 3 groups, which were treated with 2 micron continuous wave laser resection, holmium laser resection and TURBT, respectively. The preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative clinical data were recorded and compared using SAS 6.12 statistical software. There were no differences with the preoperative characteristics among the three groups, except the diameter of the tumors. The maximum diameter of the tumors in 2 micron laser group was larger than the other two groups (P < 0.05). Two micron laser group was associated with less hemoglobin decrease compared with TURBT group (P < 0.05). All of the patients were followed and the recurrence rate of the three groups indicated no statistical significance (P > 0.05). In conclusion, 2 micron continuous wave laser resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder tumor is a safe and reliable treatment. With the distinguished hemostasis, it is an available optional treatment.