Cystoscopy
What is a Cystoscopy ?
Cystoscopy is a medical procedure employed by healthcare providers to examine the interior of the bladder and urethra, the tube responsible for expelling urine from the bladder. This procedure is typically performed by a urologist using a cystoscope, a device equipped with a light and camera or viewing lens.
Cystoscopies are utilized by urologists for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes related to urinary tract issues. They are instrumental in ruling out serious conditions such as bladder cancer as potential causes of symptoms experienced by patients.
What is cystoscopy used to diagnose?
Cystoscopy is utilized to diagnose and treat various urinary tract conditions, including:
- Bladder or urethral cancer.
- Bladder stones.
- Bladder control issues, such as urinary incontinence.
- Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia/BPH).
- Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (ICS/BPS).
- Urethral strictures and urinary fistulas.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
What should I expect during a cystoscopy?
To conduct a cystoscopy, a healthcare provider will:
- Instruct you to urinate immediately before the procedure.
- Administer general anesthesia or sedation, if necessary.
- Apply numbing gel to your urethra.
- Gently insert a lubricated cystoscope through your urethra and into your bladder.
- Inject sterile saline solution into your bladder through the cystoscope, causing it to expand and facilitating clearer visualization of the bladder lining. You may feel the urge to urinate at this stage.
- Examine the interior of your bladder and urethra using the cystoscope.
- Optionally, insert small instruments through the cystoscope to obtain tissue samples or remove tumors.
- Drain the saline solution from your bladder or instruct you to void in the restroom.