To examine the ability of a new specimen handling
technique to improve histopathological yield of ureteroscopic
biopsies, performed in patients with suspected upper tract
urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). In a bi-center retrospective
study we compared the results of the new tissue handling
technique (group 1) with the standard technique (group 2).
In the new technique, to achieve maximal tissue preservation,
the specimen is mounted on filter paper prior to embedding in
paraffin. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine
which factors are associated with optimal histological results.
We further compared the biopsies with the final specimen in a
subgroup of patients who underwent nephroureterectomy
(NU). Of 55 ureteroscopic biopsies, 1 biopsy from group 1
(new technique) and 3 biopsies from group 2 (standard tech-
nique) were inadequate for pathological examination. 51
UTUC specimens were analyzed. Tumor grade and stage were
determined in 85% and 63% of the patients in group 1 and in
83% and 25% of group 2 (p=0.85 and p=0.007). Orientation
was preserved in 82% of group 1 and 42% of group 2
(p=0.003). On multivariate analysis biopsy technique and bi-
opsy diameter were found to predict stage determination
(p=0.01 and p=0.007) and tissue orientation (p=0.005 and

• A Novel Technique to Improve the Processing of Minute Ureteroscopic Biopsies