CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF TURBT IN BLADDER TUMORS: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS WITH INFLAMMATORY BACKGROUND
Afrim SALIU, Ylber ADEMI, Majlinda ADEMI
Abstract
Background: Bladder tumors represent one of the most common malignancies of the urinary tract, with transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) remaining the cornerstone of diagnosis and initial treatment. Increasing evidence suggests that tumor development and progression are influenced not only by histopathological characteristics but also by inflammatory and immune-mediated mechanisms.
Objective: The aim of the study was to present the initial experience in the surgical management of bladder tumors at the General Hospital of Gostivar, based on real clinical cases. To evaluate the clinical, histopathological, and short-term oncological outcomes of patients treated with TURBT for bladder tumors in a single center, with consideration of the inflammatory background reported in the literature.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study conducted between August 1, 2023 – July 31, 2024 and were included 21patients, 18 males and 3 females, who underwent TURBT for bladder tumors at a single urology center at the General hospital “Ferid Murad” Gostivar. The mean age was 63 years. Demographic data, tumor type, pathological stage and grade, treatment approach, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and graphical representations were generated to illustrate key findings.
Results: The majority of the patients in the trial were men. Most tumors were primary lesions, followed by recurrent and residual tumors. Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (pTa and pT1) accounted for the majority of cases, while muscle-invasive disease (pT2) was less frequent. Low-grade tumors were more prevalent than High-grade tumors. TURBT was the primary treatment modality, with selected patients requiring additional oncological management.
Conclusion: TURBT remains an effective and essential procedure in the management of bladder tumors. The predominance of non-muscle-invasive and high-grade disease highlights the importance of close follow-up and risk-adapted treatment. Inflammatory and immune mechanisms, although not directly assessed in this cohort, may play a significant role in bladder tumor behavior and recurrence.
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