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Dr. Wilson's Expertise

Bladder Cancer

While Dr. Wilson loves helping patients with any type of urological cancer, she specializes in treating patients suffering from bladder cancer.

 

Dr. Wilson uses state-of-the-art technology to aid in the diagnosis and surveillance of bladder cancer. It’s called Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview.

About Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC) with Cysview

Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview is a state-of-the-art drug/device technology that helps urologists better see non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) tumors when they look into the bladder. 

During a standard cystoscopy, urologists visually inspect the inside of the bladder using a cystoscope, which is a long, thin tube that includes a video camera on the end. In the past, there was only one type of cystoscopy available – one that uses regular white light
to illuminate inside the bladder. But white light does not always easily show all tumors or cancerous lesions. 

BLC with Cysview uses a cystoscope equipped with both white and blue light. Before the procedure, a small amount (less than 2 oz.) of the prescription imaging agent Cysview is placed into the bladder using a catheter. Cysview makes the bladder cancer tumors glow pink in blue light, thus allowing urologists to detect significantly more bladder cancer in more patients. With enhanced visibility, more cancer can be removed.

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Cysview is not a dye, but it makes cancer cells glow pink in blue light.

If your cancer is non-invasive, Dr. Wilson can schedule regular surveillance exams with you to evaluate how well-managed your cancer is over time.

Whether for diagnosis or surveillance, if you are going to have a Blue Light Cystoscopy, we will schedule your arrival time early enough for you to receive the Cysview instillation at least one hour prior to the procedure

About Treating Invasive Bladder Cancer

For patients with invasive bladder cancers, Dr. Wilson typically treats with chemotherapy. This approach, in conjunction with today’s more advanced surgical techniques and better alternatives to bladder removal in select patients, has resulted in improved cancer-specific survival in patients with invasive bladder cancer. In her years of practice, Dr. Wilson has seen an improvement in survival rates from 50% to over 80%!

This figure shows Dr. Wilson's percentage of patient survival outcome while she practiced at the University of Colorado Hospital compared to the survival outcome in the state of Colorado.

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About Cystectomy

When bladder cancer advances to its most severe stages, patients typically need their bladder removed in a procedure called a cystectomy. If you have a cystectomy, after the bladder is removed Dr. Wilson will work closely with you to decide which of the three types of diversions will work best for your type of cancer and lifestyle.

 

  • The first type of diversion is an ileal conduit, which uses a portion of the intestine to serve as a passageway for
    urine from the ureters to a stoma. 

 

  • The second type of diversion is the continent cutaneous diversion (Indiana pouch), which uses a portion of the intestine to create a pouch to hold urine until it can be released through the stoma. 

 

  • The third type of diversion is the orthotopic neobladder, which uses a portion of the small intestine to replace the urinary bladder.

In addition to bladder cancer, Dr. Wilson also treats complex cases of kidney cancer and prostate cancer as well as the rare occurrences of penile cancer and testicular cancer.

Kidney Cancer

Dr. Wilson feels other surgeons rush to take kidneys out because patients "have another one" and kidney removal is much easier than removing part of a kidney

About Partial Nephrectomy

Dr. Wilson began working with the robot in 2007.  She used some of the older, clunkier prototypes. She not only has been certified as a "master" by DiVinci, but has taught many students how to use the robot when she practiced at the Unviersity. Dr. Wilson prides herself on doing the right thing and will not remove your kidney or any part of it unless absolutely necessary!

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