To explore the application value of secondary radical electrotomy in the treatment of stage T2a urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, to provide reference for clinicians.

Clinical data of 52 patients who were diagnosed with stage T2a urothelial carcinoma of the bladder on CT image (confirmed by postoperative pathology), refused or could not tolerate radical cystectomy admitted to our hospital for the first time from March, 2011 to February, 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 22 patients undergoing twice electrotomy were assigned in group A and 30 patients receiving once electrotomy were allocated in group B. In both groups, electrotomy was performed by experienced surgeons. Postoperative intravesical chemotherapy and long-term follow-up were conducted.

In group A, a large quantity of necrotic tissues was detected in the bladder of one patient during the secondary electrotomy. Intraoperatively, it was difficult to perform electrotomy, which was switched to partial cystectomy. Postoperatively, the patient was pathologically diagnosed with low-grade non-invasive bladder cancer. Twenty-one patients underwent secondary radical electrotomy and were followed up for 1-67 months, 43 months on average. Five cases recurred with a recurrence rate of 22.7%. All patients preserved the bladder. In group B, postoperative follow-up endured for 15-54 months (40 months on average). Twenty-two patients recurred, the bladder was resected in 7 cases and 1 patient died of lung metastasis.

Secondary electrotomy provides a novel treatment option for T2a stage bladder cancer, which can preserve the bladder function and may be of clinical significance.