Definition:
Cystoscopy is a form of endoscopy that is used to check ureter and the bladder. Endoscopy involves the use of an instrument for groping bodily orifice. It is used to detect the urinary problem of the patient by seeing inside bladder and urethra that is not shown in x-rays. The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the body toward outside. Cystoscopy is done by a trained urologist and few assistants. After the anesthesia is given (local or general), a well lubricated cystoscope is inserted in your urethra and is advanced towards bladder. In case, the spot in urethra is too small to insert cystoscope; other smaller tools are inserted to broaden the opening.
When the cystoscope is inside the bladder, saline or sterile water is injected to expand the bladder for a clearer view. Your urologist might inject medicine to avoid infection and tiny instruments to collect samples of urine or tissue. These samples are sent to laboratory for biopsy. Biopsy is a form of examination that is done to ascertain the cause of a disease. This diagnostic procedure is carried out also to remove small stones in the bladder.
Purpose:
- The main purpose of Cystoscopy is to examine the entire bladder and take biopsies of any problematic area.
- It may be beneficial in case of urinary tract infection, hematuria (blood in the urine), prostate enlargement, stone in the urinary tract and leakage of urine from urethra.
- Cystoscopy is also helpful in removing small tumors from the lining of the bladder and removes the prostate gland if needed.
Precautions:
After Cystoscopy, try to drink as much fluid as you can to avoid the burning sensation while passing urine. You can take warm bath to relieve pain and relax your body. Those of you, who are fitness freaks, will have to take a back seat for two weeks, until asked by the doctor.
Pre and Post Care:
The patient is required to give urine sample before Cystoscopy for checking infection. The doctor will tell you to avoid urinating for an hour prior to this part of the process. You will have to wear a hospital gown and the lower part of the body will be covered with a sterilized drape. A tranquilizer may be given one hour before the operation to relax the patient. The area of urethra is cleaned and a local anesthetic is applied. General or spinal anesthesia can also be used for the procedure. The patient is asked to give signature consent for the procedure. If you are taking any medications for other treatments, the physician will ask you to discontinue them.
After the Cystoscopy is done, you might be given antibiotic and pain killers to relieve the pain that arises due to swelling in urethra. You will also be asked to refrain from driving for some time. Apart from this, you will also be asked to avoid strenuous activities, as it would put pressure on the urethra and cause pain.
Risk Factors:
This diagnostic procedure is carried out to detect certain problems in urethra; but accompanies risks also.
- Infection in urinary tract
- Temporary swelling of urethra
- Puncture of urethra or bladder (rare)
- Blood clots in urine for sometime
- Fever and severe pain in abdomen
- Bleeding from surgical site
- Painful urination
Hospital Stay:
Since this procedure takes only 10 to 15 minutes, you are not required to stay in the hospital.
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