Blue Light Cystoscopy is an advanced diagnostic technique that uses Cysview®, a special imaging medication, and blue light during a cystoscopy to enhance bladder cancer detection. The Cysview solution is absorbed by cancer cells, making them glow bright pink when exposed to the blue light. During the cystoscopy, the urologist switches between white and blue light to perform a visual exam of the bladder, and the glowing cancer cells become easier to spot and remove.
Blue light cystoscopy, offered through Valley’s Urologic Oncology Program, is performed at The Valley Hospital as a same-day procedure under anesthesia.
Benefits of Blue Light Cystoscopy
Blue light cystoscopy enables urologists find and treat bladder cancer more accurately using advanced imaging tailored to each patient. Because bladder cancer is often recurring and requires regular monitoring, it’s important for patients to have access to the best available technology.
Blue light cystoscopy also:
- Uses technology that helps the bladder cancer care team develop a comprehensive treatment plan that balances the patient’s therapy with their quality of life
- Enables the removal of cancer cells/tumors and non-cancerous polyps at the time of the procedure
- Offers an enhanced ability to stage and grade the cells/tumors that are removed for biopsy by a pathologist
- Can be used in patients with suspected low-, intermediate-, or high-risk bladder cancer, or in those with multiple other health conditions that complicate their treatment
- Offers a quick return to daily activities with minimal discomfort
What to Expect from Blue Light Cystoscopy
Preparation
The urologist’s office will call the patient the day before the procedure, providing instructions about food/drink fasting, the time to arrive at The Valley Hospital, where to go, and what to bring.
During the Procedure
About one hour before the cystoscopy, the Cysview imaging agent is placed inside the patient’s bladder. The medication is absorbed by cancer cells if they are present. The urologist uses a special camera and blue light that exposes glowing pink signals that are produced by cancer cells. This assists the urologist in removing the cancer cells/tumors. Tissue biopsy samples are examined by a pathologist for a complete diagnosis.
Some patients receive a chemotherapy wash of medication instilled into the bladder after the cancer is removed. The chemotherapy medication remains in the bladder for about one hour. A urinary catheter placed in the bladder is removed before the patient goes home.
Post-Procedure Care
Each patient receives a post-procedure care plan from their urologist. There is usually minor discomfort. Most patients can drive, work, and return to daily responsibilities within a day or two. A follow-up visit with the urologist is scheduled after 10 to 14 days.
Because treatment for bladder cancer usually involves several specialists, the patient receives discharge instructions as to when to see their other physicians and when to return for a follow-up cystoscopy.
Side Effects of Blue Light Cystoscopy
Some patients may experience minimal burning or other slight discomfort in the bladder after the procedure. There are usually no other side effects.
Why Choose Valley for Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview?
- Investment in advanced technology for cancer detection: Using blue light cystoscopy with Cysview, Valley urologists can detect bladder cancer more efficiently and accurately than with a standard cystoscopy.
- Precision diagnostics and medicine: Blue light cystoscopy assists the bladder cancer care team in tailoring patients’ treatment to their unique medical needs and goals.
- The potential for less invasive cancer treatment: Expert visualization of cancer cells enables urologists to remove the tumors successfully at the time of the cystoscopy. This minimizes side effects and improves the accuracy of treatment.
- Personalized follow-up care and surveillance: The technology aids in ongoing follow-up care and surveillance, as bladder cancer commonly recurs and patients may need multiple cystoscopies throughout their lifetime.
- Nurse navigators to guide patients: Valley’s urologic oncology nurse navigators help coordinate the procedure and visits with other members of the cancer care team to help patients manage their treatment and ongoing surveillance plan.
