Abstract / Summary
Narrow-band imaging (NBI) and en bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) are techniques that may improve surgical outcomes in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of NBI-assisted ERBT and their respective effectiveness. A total of 322 NMIBC patients were included in this real-world cohort study. Patients were grouped based on the surgical procedures performed, with 109 cases in the NBI-ERBT (A) group, 96 cases in the WLI-ERBT (B) group, and 117 cases in the WLI-TURBT (C) group. The primary outcome was recurrence-free survival (RFS), while secondary outcomes included operative time, complications, postoperative catheterization duration, hospital stay, detrusor muscle (DM) acquisition rate, and residual tumor in secondary resection. In an exploratory unadjusted pairwise comparison, patients undergoing NBI-ERBT showed longer RFS than those undergoing WLI-TURBT ( P = 0.047). Meanwhile, ERBT improved RFS in low-risk patients (PAC = 0.021, PBC = 0.026), DM acquisition (PAC = 0.024, PBC = 0.018), and reduced catheterization duration (PAC = 0.048, PBC = 0.034). NBI did not enhance RFS but reduced residual tumor rates (PAB = 0.043, PAC = 0.004). No significant differences in operative time, complications, or hospital stay. Limitations include the single-center design and retrospective nature. NBI-ERBT may be associated with improved RFS outcomes in patients with NMIBC. The use of NBI effectively reduces postoperative tumor residue. ERBT combined with NBI does not prolong operative time and offers superior outcomes in DM acquisition and postoperative recovery. NBI-assisted ERBT may have potential clinical benefits for patients with NMIBC. In this study, we retrospectively assessed two techniques used to treat NMIBC (NBI and ERBT). We found that NBI-assisted ERBT may offer potential clinical benefits for patients with NMIBC, including improved RFS outcomes.