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The article published illustrates the new guidelines published by American Urological Association (AUA).
Yet so few hospitals have blue light technology. So many of the so-called recurrences are really not a new tumor(s) but rements from the orginal tumor(s).Jack
Hello Jack
Correct me if I am wrong as I am going by memory: Europe uses blue light technology with good results. North America doesn’t.
At my second TURBT a “oh, no!” from the urologist was rather concerning. He didn’t say much other than I would need another surgery and 6 weeks BCG again. He also wanted to have a “discussion” in his office. Pretty sure he was thinking BCG failure and the discussion was going to be bladder removal. He then went and reviewed my file and decided no discussion and 3 weeks BCG. He anticipated the tumors were there during the first TURBT but too small to see.
I have always wondered if the blue light technology would have shown them during the first TURBT and saved me the stress of a second go-around.
Regardless, two years cancer free tells me he made the right call.
That was way too close of a call with bladder removal for me!
Take care
CherylHi Cheryl
Blue Light has been approved by FDA and Health Canada. Blue Light is currently in many more hospitals in Europe than in North America as the technology was approved for use in Europe a few years earlier. What has been holding back hospitals in Canada I am told is the initial cost of the equipment which is approximately $150,000. Currently in Canada 2 hospitals have the equipment in use with many of the major centers close to a decision.
Hoping in a few years all hospitals that have Turbts performed have this vital improvement in detecting bladder cancer.
JackI honestly hope that all hospitals will invest in the blue light at some point. It may cost over $100,000 for the initial equipment but I think it would be cost saving in the long run if the blue light shows tumours up better and the really small ones can be seen in the really early stages or if surgeons are able to do a better job with the initial TURBT and it lessens the need for so many repeat TURBTS.
I find that our health care system sometimes seems to have it backwards where we treat problems by symptoms and don’t get to the root of the problem or we cut corners on treatment processes. While preventing bladder cancer altogether is still in the future, I think the blue light will go a long way in helping doctors go in that direction. Here’s to getting technology in Canada!
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