Advanced blue light technology at Epworth Geelong is supporting early diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer for local patients.
The hospital was the first in Australia to introduce the Stryker blue light cystoscope, along with upgraded software.
The cystoscope is a thin tube with a camera that is primarily used to generate enhanced imaging for diagnosis and extract tissue samples for testing. While blue light cystoscopy is not new, it is becoming more accessible in Australia as the technology advances.
Blue light cystoscopies involve a specialised, glowing imaging dye and contrast solution placed in the bladder before a UV light is used to detect cancer. Studies show that using a blue light filter can identify up to 25 per cent more bladder cancers than conventional techniques, such as white light cystoscopy.
Epworth Geelong urologist Dr Sarah Norton performed the first procedure with the new blue light cystoscope in April this year.
“During the cystoscopy, we use specialised scanner to switch between white light (to observe normal tissue) and blue (ultraviolet) light, which causes the cancer cells to glow,” Dr Norton said.
“By making cancerous cells appear bright pink, this method assists urologists to find and treat smaller, hard-to-detect lesions – particularly flat tumours – reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
“Blue light cystoscope imaging has helped me find cancer in a patient’s bladder, which appeared normal under white light. Without blue light technology, I would not have known to take a sample of that section of bladder, and the cancer may have grown.
“This technology has enabled me to detect the cancer earlier and provide treatment before it becomes more serious.”
Abbey Cook, Acting Associate Director Perioperative Services at Epworth Geelong, said having the technology onsite and readily available for patients was “transformative” for the hospital.
“Any new technology that improves detection, reduces recurrence, or lowers the likelihood of patients needing to return to theatre is a positive addition for our doctors and our patients,” she said.
