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Abstract Background Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is the standard approach to bladder tumors but suffers from several disadvantages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel procedure of retrograde en bloc resection of bladder tumor (RERBT) with conventional monopolar resection electrode for the treatment of superficial bladder tumors. Methods RERBT and conventional TURBT (C-TURBT) were conducted, respectively, in 40 and 50 patients diagnosed with superficial papillary bladder tumors. In the RERBT group, the tumors were en bloc removed retrogradely under direct vision using a conventional monopolar electrode. Patients’ clinicopathological, intraoperative, and postoperative data were compared retrospectively between the RERBT and C-TURBT groups. Results Of the 90 patients, 40 underwent RERBT and 50 underwent C-TURBT. Both groups were comparable in clinicopathological characteristic. RERBT could be performed as safely and effectively as C-TURBT. There were no significant differences in operative time and surgical complications. The cumulative recurrence rates between groups were similar during up to 18 months follow-up. The detrusor muscle could be identified pathologically in 100% of RERBT tumor specimens and the biopsy of tumor bases, but only in 54 and 70%, respectively, of C-TURBT samples (P