Is there still a role for ureteric frozen section analysis during radical cystectomy?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the utility of routine intra-operative frozen section analysis (iFSA) of distal ureteric margins during radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer (BCa), focusing on diagnostic accuracy and oncological outcomes in a high-volume tertiary centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 1081 patients with BCa treated with RC (2010-2024). Bilateral iFSA of the distal ureters was performed in all cases. Patients were stratified according to final distal ureteric margin status (positive vs negative); if positive, additional resections were attempted intra-operatively. Diagnostic concordance between iFSA and final pathology was calculated. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess 5-year upper urinary tract recurrence (UUTR) free-survival, overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Univariable logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression (MLR) models identified variables associated with positive margins. RESULTS: Overall, 139 patients (12.9%) had positive distal ureteric margins at iFSA. The sensitivity and specificity of FSA were 98.6% and 99.5%, respectively. In MLR models, hydronephrosis (odds ratio OR 1.75, P = 0.014), T3-T4 stage (OR 2.48, P = 0.003), bladder carcinoma in situ (CIS; OR 7.94, P < 0.001) and trigonal tumour location (OR 4.85, P < 0.001) were independently associated with positive distal ureteric margins at iFSA. Positive margins were associated with increased risk of UUTR (5-year UUTR-free survival: 58% vs 78%; P = 0.038), worse OS (5-year OS: 48% vs 67%; P = 0.039), and worse CSS (5-year CSS: 60% vs 75%; P = 0.0018). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that iFSA of distal ureteric margins during RC for BCa provided excellent diagnostic performance and enabled cancer-free anastomosis. Our findings support iFSA, especially in patients with bladder CIS, trigonal tumours, or hydronephrosis, to guide intra-operative decisions and tailor postoperative surveillance.