Abstract
In order to evaluate the accuracy of transurethral ultrasonography in predicting the T stage of bladder tumors a prospective study was initiated. Transurethral ultrasonography was performed in 308 consecutive patients prior to cystoscopy, transurethral resection, biopsy or cystectomy. The findings of ultrasonography were compared with the histopathologic results. In 218 out of the 308 patients a carcinoma of the bladder was diagnosed histologically, whereas in 90 patients a tumor could not be detected on histological examination. In 78.2% of those patients, in whom a carcinoma of the bladder was present, it was possible to predict the correct T stage. It was not possible, however, to distinguish tumors of stage TA from those of stage T1. Further analysis of the results revealed an overstaging of the tumor in 12.0%, whereas in 8.0% of the cases the tumor was understaged or had not been recognized at all by ultrasonography.