Cystoscopy is a procedure that helps doctors diagnose, observe, and treat conditions that affect your urinary tract. It can be performed on both the male and female anatomy.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762900d7173e-e570-4f82-8cea-63d2f3718e17
Overview Overview What Is Cystoscopy? Cystoscopy is a common procedure. Research shows more than one million cystoscopies are performed each year in the United States to help diagnose urinary conditions.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b45e68fe-65b2-405a-81b6-3c086fe71d57 With a cystoscopy, doctors use a special instrument called a cystoscope to look inside your bladder and urethra (the tube that takes urine from your bladder to the outside of your body).e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629370ce0cf-1a6a-4178-8523-6c439f73d2b0 The scope is lighted and contains a camera or viewing lens on it.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290ebcdc60-44b9-443b-844b-ce881f33e2e1 Cystoscopy can help doctors spot problems in the urinary tract, such as cancer, infection, blockages, bleeding, injuries, and more.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762964d3ae7c-1953-4d22-a24d-5236784822e6 Healthcare providers also use the procedure to treat certain issues, like bleeding in your bladder or a blockage in your urethra.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a13b5003-ed0e-46c8-8646-a435d62c18ea Types of Cystoscopies There are two types of cystoscopies:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290ebcdc60-44b9-443b-844b-ce881f33e2e1 Flexible Cystoscope A bendable scope that’s used to follow the natural path of your urethra. Rigid Cystoscope A nonflexible scope that can be used to pass instruments through for certain procedures, like a biopsy or tumor removal. This type is typically only used if you’re under sedation or general anesthesia.
Why Is Cystoscopy Done? Why It’s Done Cytoscopy is used for two reasons: To determine the cause of your urinary symptoms To treat certain conditions Your doctor might recommend a cystoscopy if you notice symptoms such as painful urination, blood in your urine, frequent urination, trouble peeing, leaking urine, or frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) .e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299127491f-0d7b-4fee-8bfa-87764ba4eb8e Specifically, cystoscopy can help doctors spot:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294772e26c-19ee-4faf-89bb-aef34a511ba4e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762976dde9d4-d211-42a2-a120-6fe5d6b1690b Tumors Tissue abnormalities Cancer (most often urethral or bladder cancer ) Bladder stones Cysts Inflammation Scarring Pouches or ulcers on the bladder wall Polyps (small growths of tissue) Narrowing of the urethra An enlarged prostate (in men) If an area looks abnormal during a cystoscopy, doctors may perform a biopsy. This involves cutting out a small piece of tissue and sending it to the lab to be analyzed.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762976dde9d4-d211-42a2-a120-6fe5d6b1690b Doctors can also use cystoscopy to treat problems or perform other tests using cystoscopy. Some examples include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762976dde9d4-d211-42a2-a120-6fe5d6b1690b Removing a stone, a tumor, or abnormal tissue in the bladder or urethra Injecting medication into the bladder or urethra to treat urinary leakage Taking urine samples from the ureters (the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder) Performing a special X-ray called a pyelography, which lets doctors view obstructions (like stones and tumors) in the urinary tract Enlarging a narrowed urethra Removing a stent from the ureter after a previous procedure
How Is Cystoscopy Performed? How It’s Performed Cystoscopy is performed by a urologist — a medical doctor who specializes in conditions that affect the urinary tract. The procedure can be done in a doctor’s office, an outpatient center, or at a hospital. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ac5ac7a9-8fb0-4770-8936-47f53752eb66 You’ll typically be awake during a cystoscopy that’s being done to diagnose an issue. A numbing gel is often used to prevent discomfort. However, you may be sedated or need general anesthesia if the cystoscopy requires a biopsy or is being used for treatment purposes. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f264dc3f-ef6a-4e24-8334-0557e39d3915 During cystoscopy, the urologist inserts a cystoscope into your urethra and up to your bladder. Then, water or saltwater is fed through the tube to fill your bladder. The fluid stretches the bladder wall, which helps your doctor see the entire area better on a computer monitor. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e648b81c-2246-48bf-be42-4fa4b505446a Your urologist will then screen the area. They may pass different instruments through the cystoscope to help perform tests or treatments. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f264dc3f-ef6a-4e24-8334-0557e39d3915 When the procedure is complete, the liquid from your bladder will be drained. Or you may be asked to empty your bladder in the restroom. e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f264dc3f-ef6a-4e24-8334-0557e39d3915
How Do I Prepare for Cystoscopy? How to Prepare Before your cystoscopy, you should tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. You may need to stop using medicines, such as blood thinners or aspirin, for a certain time before your procedure. Don’t stop taking any medications without first talking to your doctor. Be sure to let your health provider know if you’re pregnant or have any allergies before your cystoscopy. Also, tell your doctor if you think you have a UTI. You might need to provide a urine sample on the day of the procedure. If you do have an infection, you may not be able to undergo cystoscopy. Or your doctor might recommend that you take an antibiotic before you have the procedure done. Follow the provided instructions carefully. You will need to avoid eating or drinking for a designated amount of time before the cystoscopy. Your healthcare provider will provide you with specific instructions regarding food and water intake. Additionally, you may need to arrange for someone else to take you home if you’re sedated.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bbf1f617-9b8c-4fe2-949d-fd3ede708e95e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762915a241b9-931d-4628-b82f-ab98cf7f3fa1
What Should I Expect During Cystoscopy? What to Expect Before the cystoscopy, you may be asked to empty your bladder. Then, you’ll need to remove your clothing and any jewelry, and put on a gown. You will lay on an exam table with your knees up and your feet placed in stirrups.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629da130fae-de92-4b96-8e28-db86d29b3965e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bbb8b554-605c-49fb-822e-a147c09b5b66 If you’re awake for your cystoscopy, your doctor will apply a numbing gel to your urethra. If you require sedation or general anesthesia, you will be given special medicines via an IV.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bbb8b554-605c-49fb-822e-a147c09b5b66 During the procedure, your doctor will slide the lubricated cystoscope through your urethra and into your bladder. Then they will inject fluid. You may feel discomfort or the urge to pee if you’re awake.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292cb8ee6b-28df-4d39-9712-ea69706c6bfd With the scope in place, your urologist will examine the area and perform any tests or treatments needed. Then, they will carefully remove the cystoscope. They may drain the fluid or ask you to empty your bladder.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292cb8ee6b-28df-4d39-9712-ea69706c6bfde60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bbb8b554-605c-49fb-822e-a147c09b5b66 If the procedure is being done for diagnostic purposes, it usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes total. It may only take a minute or so if it’s done for diagnostic purposes while you’re awake. However, cystoscopy may take longer if your doctor is performing treatment or removing tissue.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292cb8ee6b-28df-4d39-9712-ea69706c6bfd Sometimes, doctors perform another procedure, called ureteroscopy, at the same time as the cystoscopy. With ureteroscopy, the urologist uses a smaller scope to examine the ureters (tubes that take urine from the kidneys to the bladder).e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629da130fae-de92-4b96-8e28-db86d29b3965
What Are the Potential Risks Associated With Cystoscopy? Risks Cystoscopies are generally safe. But like with any procedure, there are always risks involved. Some potential risks of cystoscopy include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293f076962-8d01-4240-a867-2b6556f96be6 Abnormal bleeding Injury to the urethra or bladder UTI Reactions to anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, or dizziness
What Type of Care Is Needed Following Cystoscopy? Follow-Up Care Most people recover from cystoscopy quickly, usually within a day or two. Your recovery may be longer if you had other treatments or tests, such as a biopsy. For a couple of days after the procedure, you may notice a tinge of blood in your urine or pain when you urinate. You may also experience pain or a burning sensation while you pee, or have to urinate often. If these symptoms don’t improve within a day or two, or they become worse, let your doctor know. Also, tell your provider if you develop signs of infection, such as fever, chills, pain, or less urination.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299ad340b3-5bfa-4835-ba2f-3f40e80d787c Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help flush out your bladder and relieve symptoms. You can also apply a warm compress to the area, take a warm bath, or use over-the-counter pain-relieving medication to help relieve any discomfort.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299ad340b3-5bfa-4835-ba2f-3f40e80d787c It’s okay to go back to eating your usual diet and performing everyday activities unless your doctor tells you otherwise.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291cb0761e-3a20-4b89-a01b-3c69fece9fd4 If you have anesthesia or sedation during your cystoscopy, someone else will need to drive you home after the procedure.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299ad340b3-5bfa-4835-ba2f-3f40e80d787c
What Are the Possible Complications and Side Effects of Cystoscopy? Complications Rarely, cystoscopy can cause complications or other side effects, such as:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294ff2f6e1-34ab-4b93-9a2e-0169462d923e UTI Bladder spasms Scar tissue formation Damage to the bladder or urethra Pain (usually temporary)
What’s Next After your cystoscopy, your doctor might be ready to discuss the results with you right away. Or you may need to schedule a follow-up visit to talk about the findings. If you had a biopsy, your provider will let you know when the lab results are back.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762950306d9a-85f8-49fe-8c4d-01c9523bea6e If your results are normal, you might not need any further testing. Abnormal findings on a cystoscopy may require you to undergo further tests or treatments. Your doctor can help you understand what to do next if your results indicate you should have a follow-up appointment.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291769367f-ba67-4a46-bd8b-697e6ab4a22c
The Takeaway Cystoscopy is a common medical procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of the urinary tract. It can detect issues such as cancer, inflammation, polyps, scarring, cysts, injuries, and more. Doctors can perform a biopsy and treat different problems with cystoscopy. The procedure is generally safe. It doesn’t require much downtime. Most people recover smoothly and quickly.
Read the full article here
Leave a comment
