STUKA – Snapshot of Transurethral resection UK Audit
This study is designed to determine the quality of the initial management of bladder cancer by TURBT across the UK. The protocol has been put together by Derek Rosario, Jim Catto and Tim O'Brien.
The methodology of STUKA is akin to that used in NCEPOD studies. Our aim is to analyse retrospectively just one case of TURBT for newly presenting bladder cancer from every urologist in the country. A hugely attractive aspect of this study is that the amount of audit work for an individual urologist should be minimal but the collective knowledge gained could be enormous. The analysis of this snapshot could define a strategy for improving the initial management of bladder cancer in the UK.
All members of BAUS are invited to identify the first newly presenting bladder cancer (not a recurrence) who underwent transurethral resection under their care at their NHS institution after midnight of 31st January 2010.
From the case notes, a urologist will then complete the STUKA proforma which takes about 30-45 minutes to do. The data can then be entered online through the BAUS audit system.
The study is open from 13 June and closes on 16 August – this gives us time to analyse the data in time for the Autumn section meeting and to prepare abstracts on behalf of the section for the international meetings in 2012.
STORM (Surveillance and Treatment Of Renal Masses)
This study aims to define the role of surveillance as an initial policy for the management of renal masses of any size, and their subsequent treatment if any. The protocol is on the website and has been worked on byTim O'Brien, Roger Kockelbergh, Ravi Barod and Sarah Fowler.
Surveillance is, we think, an increasingly commonly adopted approach in the management of renal masses but data is lacking on the natural history of the condition. Both solid and complex cystic masses can be included in the STORM study.
To be eligible for the study, the decision for surveillance must be a new one (i.e. taken after 13 June 2011). A biopsy is encouraged (but not mandatory): we are keen to explore the potential of needle biopsy in 2011 to give an accurate diagnosis in this condition. Is needle biopsy still a process fraught with diagnostic uncertainty or have radiological and pathological techniques improved to make it a sensible diagnostic option? In patients managed initially by surveillance how many ultimately are treated and how successfully.
Every cancer unit in the UK will be putting patients on surveillance but no unit really will see enough to clearly define the risks and the benefits. As a national organisation we have that potential. We aim to recruit 500 patients into this study and estimate that should be comfortably possible within 1 year.
The study commences on 13 June. All submissions MUST be online through the BAUS audits system.
Together with the complex operations datasets, STUKA and STORM will form the basis for the section’s audit activity in the next 12 months.
