Transurethral real-time scanner.

Transurethral intravesical scanning is useful in staging bladder tumors. A new ultrasonic scanner was developed to obtain a real-time image. Diameter of the probe sheath was reduced to 24F. The resolution of the tomogram was improved by using 7 MHz, ultrasound, which clearly displayed the ureteral penetration of the bladder wall. It was demonstrated that the real-time scanner was effective not only in staging bladder cancer but also in the followup of tumor volume, in monitoring transurethral resection of the tumor and in the observation of tumor movement effected by the finger.