Split hospital becomes first in Croatia to introduce blue light bladder cancer diagnostics

(Photo: KBC Split)

The University Hospital Centre Split (KBC Split) has become the first medical institution in Croatia to introduce blue light cystoscopy for the diagnosis of bladder cancer, marking a significant advancement in modern urological diagnostics.

The new diagnostic method has been successfully implemented at the Clinic for Urology and involves the use of a diagnostic agent containing hexaminolevulinate combined with examination of the bladder under blue light, KBC Split said in a statement.

This approach enables earlier and more precise detection of abnormal changes in the bladder, particularly in cases that are difficult to identify using standard diagnostic techniques.

The procedure was performed by urologist Dr Mirnes Selimović, together with Dr Žana Saratlija, assisted by theatre nurses Ljiljana Penić and Ivana Radalj, and supported by anaesthesiologist Dr Ida Temenugova and nurse Mira Mrčela.

Explaining the benefits of the method, Dr Selimović highlighted that hexaminolevulinate significantly improves visualisation of suspicious bladder lesions.

“After instillation into the bladder, tumour cells absorb this substance more intensely than healthy tissue. When examined under blue light, abnormal areas fluoresce and become clearly visible. On the camera, tumour changes appear as purple or bright pink areas, allowing us to detect lesions that may remain unnoticed under standard white light, particularly early-stage and flat lesions such as carcinoma in situ (CIS),” Dr Selimović said.

(Photo: KBC Split)

Importantly, blue light cystoscopy is used exclusively for diagnostic purposes and not as a treatment. It allows for more accurate mapping of bladder changes and is most commonly applied prior to transurethral resection of bladder tumours (TURBT), as well as during follow-up examinations in patients with a previous diagnosis of bladder cancer.

The introduction of this technology forms part of a broader effort to modernise the Clinic for Urology at KBC Split and align its clinical practice with leading international standards.

(Photo: KBC Split)

“This is an important step in the continued development and modernisation of our clinic. By introducing advanced diagnostic technologies, we are raising the standard of urological care and improving the precision of procedures, with a clear goal, earlier disease detection and safer, higher-quality treatment for our patients. KBC Split remains committed to investing in expertise, teamwork and methods that reflect best clinical practice,” said Associate Professor Marijan Šitum, Head of the Clinic for Urology.