<p><strong> </strong><strong>After completion of the initial evaluation and treatment of patients with NMIBC, clinicians should perform the first surveillance cystoscopy within three to four months. (<em>Expert Opinion</em>)</strong></p>
Discussion
Discussion
<p>The natural history of NMIBC is often characterized by recurrence, even for solitary, small, low-grade papillary tumors. At the time of first evaluation and treatment, none of the existing risk stratification tools or urinary biomarkers are sufficiently sensitive and specific to predict which patient will have an early tumor recurrence. Therefore, the only reliable way to know in a particular patient whether they are at risk for early recurrence is by cystoscopic visualization of the urothelium at a relatively early interval after the first treatment/resection. In addition, visualization at a relatively early interval allows the treating urologist to verify that the initial resection was complete. The Panel, therefore, felt that the first repeat cystoscopic evaluation should occur three to four months after the initial treatment and evaluation, regardless of the patient’s overall risk.</p>