Comparison between spectra modes of STORZ professional image enhancement system™ and white light cystoscopy in diagnosis of bladder lesions.

INTRODUCTION

White light cystoscopy (WLC) often fails to detect flat or subtle bladder lesions. Enhanced imaging techniques offer improved detection. The Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES™) overcomes these limitations and enables concurrent display of WLC and enhanced images, potentially improving tumor detection. In this study, the SPIES™ system was integrated into the diagnostic cystoscopy protocol to compare Spectra™ modes with conventional WLC in the diagnosis of bladder lesions.

METHODS

This 1-year prospective observational pilot study included 150 patients with suspected or known bladder tumors. Each patient initially underwent WLC, followed by Spectra B™ and Spectra A™ modes. Lesions were mapped according to EAU guidelines; suspicious areas were biopsied or resected for histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

WLC showed a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 45%, with a false positive rate (FPR) of 54.5%. After WLC, Spectra B did not detect any additional lesions, whereas Spectra A identified three additional lesions, including a T2 recurrence. Spectra A™ had 100% sensitivity, but lower specificity (35%) and higher FPR (65%). Spectra A™ detected more lesions than WLC, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.131). The increase in FPR of the Spectra A™ was significant (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Spectra A™ showed higher sensitivity and identified additional cancerous lesions, including one muscle-invasive tumor missed by WLC. However, it also had a significantly higher FPR. While promising, it has its limitations. Spectra A™ shows potential and warrants further research in larger, multicenter trials.