Overview
What Is A Cystoscopy ?
A cystoscopy is an examination of the inside of the bladder and urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In men, the urethra is the tube that runs through the penis. The doctor performing the examination uses a cystoscope—a long, thin instrument with an eyepiece on the external end and a tiny lens and a light on the end that is inserted into the bladder. The doctor inserts the cystoscope into the patient’s urethra, and the small lens magnifies the inner lining of the urethra and bladder, allowing the doctor to see inside the hollow bladder. Many cystoscopes have extra channels within the sheath to insert other small instruments that can be used to treat or diagnose urinary problems.
Why It Is Done ?
Urologists use ureteroscopy to remove stones that are stuck in the ureter and are closer to the bladder than the kidney (in the lower third of the ureter). But newer technology is allowing ureteroscopy to be used even for small stones in or near the kidney.
Risks
Complications are more likely when the stone is close to the kidney (upper third of the ureter) and include:
- Injury to the ureter.
- Urinary tract infection.
- Bleeding.
- Abdominal pain.
What Are The Preparations For A Cystoscopy Or Ureteroscopy ?
People scheduled for a cystoscopy or ureteroscopy should ask their doctor about any special instructions. In most cases, for cystoscopy, people will be able to eat normally in the hours before the test. For ureteroscopy, people may be told not to eat before the test.
Because any medical procedure has a small risk of injury, patients must sign a consent form before the test. They should not hesitate to ask their doctor about any concerns they might have.
Patients may be asked to give a urine sample before the test to check for infection. They should avoid urinating for an hour before this part of the test.
Usually, patients lie on their back with knees raised and apart. A nurse or technician cleans the area around the urethral opening and applies a local anesthetic so the patient will not experience any discomfort during the test.
People having a ureteroscopy may receive a spinal or general anesthetic. They should arrange for a ride home after the test.
How Is A Cystoscopy Or Ureteroscopy Performed ?
After a local anesthetic is used to take away sensation in the ureter, the doctor gently inserts the tip of the cystoscope or ureteroscope into the urethra and slowly glides it up into the bladder. A sterile liquid—water or salt water, called saline—flows through the scope to slowly fill the bladder and stretch it so the doctor has a better view of the bladder wall.
As the bladder is filled with liquid, patients feel some discomfort and the urge to urinate. The doctor may then release some of the fluid, or the patient may empty the bladder as soon as the examination is over.
The time from insertion of the scope to removal may be only a few minutes, or it may be longer if the doctor finds a stone and decides to treat it. Taking a biopsy—a small tissue sample for examination with a microscope—will also make the procedure last longer. In most cases, the entire examination, including preparation, takes 15 to 30 minutes.
What Happens After A Cystoscopy Or Ureteroscopy ?
Patients may have a mild burning feeling when they urinate, and they may see small amounts of blood in their urine. These problems should not last more than 24 hours. Patients should tell their doctor if bleeding or pain is severe or if problems last more than a day.
To relieve discomfort, patients should drink two 8-ounce glasses of water each hour for 2 hours after the procedure. They may ask their doctor if they can take a warm bath to relieve the burning feeling. If not, they may be able to hold a warm, damp washcloth over the urethral opening.
The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to take for 1 or 2 days to prevent an infection. Any signs of infection—including severe pain, chills, or fever—should be reported to a doctor.
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