Why Cystoscopy Is Done

Cystoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of your bladder and urethra. It is a common procedure that is used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including urinary tract infections, bladder cancer, and kidney stones.

Why Is Cystoscopy Performed?

There are many reasons why a doctor might recommend a cystoscopy. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): A cystoscopy can help your doctor find the source of a UTI and determine the best course of treatment.
• Bladder cancer: A cystoscopy can help your doctor diagnose bladder cancer early, when it is most treatable.
• Kidney stones: A cystoscopy can help your doctor locate kidney stones and determine the best way to remove them.
• Overactive bladder: A cystoscopy can help your doctor identify the cause of overactive bladder and recommend the best treatment.
• Urethral stricture: A cystoscopy can help your doctor diagnose and treat a urethral stricture, which is a narrowing of the urethra.

How Is Cystoscopy Performed?

Cystoscopy is typically performed in a doctor's office or outpatient surgery center. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes.

Before the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around your urethra. Your doctor will then insert a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end into your urethra and up into your bladder. The camera will send images of your bladder and urethra to a monitor so that your doctor can see them.

During the procedure, your doctor may also insert other instruments into your bladder to take biopsies or remove tissue. Biopsies are small samples of tissue that can be examined under a microscope to look for signs of disease.

What Are the Risks of Cystoscopy?

Cystoscopy is a generally safe procedure, but there are some risks associated with it. These risks include:

• Infection: There is a small risk of infection after cystoscopy.
• Bleeding: There is a small risk of bleeding during or after cystoscopy.
• Pain: Cystoscopy can cause some pain during or after the procedure.
• Urethral injury: There is a small risk of injury to the urethra during cystoscopy.

If you experience any of these symptoms after cystoscopy, be sure to contact your doctor right away.

How Can I Prepare for Cystoscopy?

There are a few things you can do to prepare for cystoscopy:

• Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking. Some medications can interfere with cystoscopy.
• Fast for at least 8 hours before the procedure. This will help to prevent nausea and vomiting during the procedure.
• Drink plenty of fluids in the hours leading up to the procedure. This will help to ensure that your bladder is full during the procedure.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will need to be able to remove your clothes from the waist down during the procedure.

What Can I Expect After Cystoscopy?

After cystoscopy, you may experience some pain, burning, or urgency to urinate. These symptoms should go away within a few days. You may also have some blood in your urine. This is normal and should also go away within a few days.

If you experience any of the following symptoms after cystoscopy, be sure to contact your doctor right away:

• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Severe pain
• Blood in your urine that does not go away after a few days
• Inability to urinate

Conclusion

Cystoscopy is a common procedure that is used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. It is a generally safe procedure, but there are some risks associated with it. If you are considering having cystoscopy, be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between cystoscopy and ureteroscopy?

Cystoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra. Ureteroscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of the ureters, which are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

2. How long does it take to recover from cystoscopy?

Most people recover from cystoscopy within a few days. However, some people may experience pain, burning, or urgency to urinate for a few weeks after the procedure.

3. What are the risks of cystoscopy?

The risks of cystoscopy include infection, bleeding, pain, and urethral injury.

4. How can I prepare for cystoscopy?

To prepare for cystoscopy, you should tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, fast for at least 8 hours before the procedure, drink plenty of fluids in the hours leading up to the procedure, and wear loose, comfortable clothing.

5. What can I expect after cystoscopy?

After cystoscopy, you may experience some pain, burning, or urgency to urinate. These symptoms should go away within a few days. You may also have some blood in your urine. This is normal and should also go away within a few days.