CYSTOSCOPY
Cystoscopy, or cystourethroscopy, is a procedure performed by a urologist that allows the physician to see the inside of the lower urinary tract (urethra, prostate, bladder neck, and bladder). Cystoscopy can be used to detect abnormalities of the lower urinary tract or to assist in transurethral surgery (prostate surgery).
In this procedure, a cystoscope (thin, flexible, telescope-like tube with a light and tiny camera attached) is inserted into the bladder through the urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body). The physician uses the cystoscope to visualize changes in the lining of the urinary tract.
Cystoscopy may be used to evaluate and diagnose the following conditions:
Blood in the urine (hematuria), frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder cancer, chronic pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis, painful urination, urinary blockage (enlarged prostate [BPH], narrowing of the urinary tract, stricture, polyps, tumors) , urinary incontinence or overactive bladder, urinary stones
Abnormalities that can be detected include the following:
Tumors, urethral stricture (scarring or narrowing in the urethra), enlarged prostate causing urinary blockage, bladder stones, diverticula (sacs protruding from the urethra or bladder), fistula (abnormal passage), trabeculation (strands of connective tissue)
Procedure:
Cystoscopy is performed in a physician's office, under local anesthesia. A topical anesthetic (lidocaine gel) is introduced prior to the procedure to numb and lubricate the urethra. During the procedure, the flexible cystoscope, (about half the diameter of the urethra), is slowly inserted into the urethra to the bladder. A camera may be attached to the cystoscope to allow images to be viewed on a TV screen.
The physician examines the urethra and introduces a sterile liquid (water or saline) into the bladder to improve the view of the bladder wall. As the bladder fills, the patient may experience an uncomfortable urge to urinate. Additional instruments can be passed through the cystoscope to allow the urologist to perform procedures, such as stone removal, bladder biopsy, and cauterization (application of a small electrical charge to minimize bleeding). Cystoscopy usually takes only a few minutes.
Side effects, which are usually mild and resolve within a couple of hours to days, include burning during urination and blood in the urine (hematuria). ) Patients can go home immediately following the procedure
Complications are rarely serious and may include the following:
- Infection (fever, chills, severe pain, vomiting). You might be given antibiotics after the procedure. Other times, no antibiotics are given unless you show signs/symptoms of infection.
- Blood in the urine sever enough to require additional treatment
- Urinary retention (inability to urinate), usually as a result of swelling, bladder distention, or prostate irritation
