The effectiveness of ultrasound in the diagnosis of bladder tumours at the Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract:The importance of an ultrasound in diagnosis of bladder tumours has been investigated by different authors. Some have questioned its effectiveness while others have considered the technique to be an important tool in the initial evaluation of bladder tumours. This study was carried out to establish the effectiveness of the ultrasound in diagnosis of bladder tumours at the Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Clinical indications and ultrasound findings were recorded. Cystoscopy was done and findings recorded on a preformed questionnaire. The ultrasound findings were compared to cystoscopy findings and the sensitivity, negativity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value determined. A total of 110 patients were recruited in this study and the male to female ratio was 2:1. The commonest (37%) age group was 41-60 years. The most common clinical indication overall was haematuria in 37% of all cases. In males, bladder outlet obstruction due to stricture was the commonest indication (31%). Out of 110 patients scheduled for cystoscopy, 71 had ultrasound done preoperatively. In these patients 70% had some form of abnormal ultrasound findings. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and the negative predictive value (NPV) of ultrasound in detection of bladder tumour were 83%, 93%, 89% and 89%, respectively. In conclusion, ultrasound is an effective method for evaluating patients presenting with haematuria or suspected to have bladder tumours. It is cheap, available, affordable and non-invasive; has a high sensitivity, and therefore it can also be useful in the follow-up of patient with bladder cancer. ________________________________________________________________________________

The role of ultrasound in diagnosis and evaluation of bladder tumors

“…In another study carried out by Mwashambwa et al ., the sensitivity and the specificity of sonography in diagnosing bladder tumors were, respectively, 83% and 93% and both positive and negative predictive values were 89%. [ 15 ] The results of that study are lower than those of the present study; specificity was reported to be 100% in the current study. Since specificity is significant in determining the validity a test, the results of the present study are more reliable, and since sonography is a highly operator-dependent test, the difference between the two studies can be attributed to the differences in the operators’ experiences in the two studies.…”

“…[ 14 ] In another study carried out by Mwashambwa et al ., the sensitivity and the specificity of sonography in diagnosing bladder tumors were respectively, 83% and 93%. [ 15 ] Despite promising results, however, studies in this field have not yet become common; therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the role of ultrasound in diagnosis and examination of bladder tumors.…”