Continuous bladder irrigation after transurethral resection of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer for prevention of tumour recurrence: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) can recur despite transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) that clears macroscopic disease, partly from re-implantation of exfoliated cells. Immediate instillation of intravesical chemotherapy (IC) can reduce recurrence, is guideline-recommended but is under-utilized. Continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) immediately post-TURBT is postulated to prevent re-implantation, and may provide a simple, cheap and practical alternative. We undertook a systematic review to assess the effect of CBI on NMIBC recurrence. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, relevant publications were identified by online search of databases, including Ovid Med..