Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The interobserver variability of the sonographic assessment of Focal Bladder Wall Abnormalities (FBWA) between two physicians with different levels of experience was evaluated prospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the same session the two operators examined independently the urinary bladder of 87 consecutive patients (Mean Age 68 yrs; range 33-80; 75 Males; 15 Females) who underwent cystoscopy within 1-2 days. Before beginning the study, the two observers standardized the process for US exam. Weighted kappa statistics were used to determine the degree of agreement as to the presence, size, location and number of FBWA detected at cystoscopy. RESULTS: the highest level of agreement (k = 1) was reached on the presence of FBWA, whereas a substantial agreement was reached on size (k = 0.78), number (k = 0.72) and location (k = 0.62) of FBWA. CONCLUSIONS: In this study the gap in US experience between two operators did not emerge in assessing FBWA, provided a standardized technical approach is pursued.