A cystoscopy is a technique in which a urologist uses a cystoscope to examine the bladder and urethra. Urinary tract concerns, such as an enlarged prostate, bladder cancer, UTI, or incontinence, can be diagnosed and treated by a cystoscopy. The cystoscope is a thin, flexible tube used for the procedure that contains a light and camera. Do visit a urologist in Brooklyn New York, if you have questions.
When could a cystoscopy be necessary?
Your doctor may recommend cystoscopy if you suffer from any of the following conditions:
- Urinary calculi
- UTI pain, also known as dysuria.
- recurrent UTIs, or infections of the urinary tract
- Blood in the pee (hematuria)
- Urinary calculi
- Incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder control, while urinary retention is the inability to urinate over an extended period.
When is a cystoscopy necessary?
Cystoscopy allows urologists to examine the urinary tract to make a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. Cystoscopy can identify the following conditions affecting the urinary tract:
- Cancer of the urethra
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia, sometimes known as an enlarged prostate.
- Bladder and kidney infections
- Urinary calculi
- Cancer of the bladder
- Problems with bladder control
- Fistulae and strictures in the urinary tract
What should you know before getting a cystoscopy done?
Before having a cystoscopy performed, you may need to take a battery of tests. An average cystoscopy procedure can be completed in 15-30 minutes.
The following is a rundown of what to anticipate during a cystoscopy procedure:
Bladder emptying
Before having a cystoscopy performed, you will need to empty your bladder. After that, your feet will be placed in stirrups, and your knees will be bent as you lie on a table on your back.
Sedative or Anaesthetic
The next step, receiving an anesthetic or sedative, is optional and is occasionally skipped. You will be sleepy but conscious if given a sedative or analgesic. After that, the urologist will apply a numbing ointment or jelly to the area where the cystoscope will be inserted to ensure the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure. The urologist will apply the numbing jelly, wait a few minutes, and then insert the cystoscope into the urethra. If you are undergoing anesthesia, your doctor may tell you to fast for a while.
Urinary tract and bladder inspection
The urologist will then look into the bladder and urethra with the cystoscope. The lens at the end of the cystoscope acts like a microscope, enlarging the patient’s view of the urethra and bladder. The enlarged image of the urinary tract and bladder will be displayed on a screen. After that, a sterile solution is poured into the bladder for inspection. You may need to relieve yourself when the clean fluid fills your bladder. The next step is to obtain a tissue sample for further analysis.
