Overview
A urologist performs a cystoscopy to view and diagnose urinary tract problems. During the procedure, the doctor uses a cystoscope, a thin lighted tube attached to a camera to view the inside of the urethra and the bladder.
You may need a cystoscopy if you are experiencing urinary retention (unable to empty the bladder), urinary tract infections, bladder stones, enlarged prostate, bladder control issues, painful urination (dysuria), urinary fistulas, blockages, etc.
A cystoscopy is also performed to:
- Remove bladder stones, polyps, or tumors
- Collect urethral tissue for biopsy
- Treat urethral strictures
- Inject medication
- Treat fistulas
- Inject dye for an X-ray to identify kidney problems
- Take urine samples
- Treat urinary incontinence
Preparing for a cystoscopy
A cystoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a cystoscope (bladder scope) to view the interior lining of the bladder (the organ that stores the urine) and the urethra that carries urine out of the bladder. It helps to diagnose and treat different health conditions.
Your doctor may ask you to eat and drink as usual before the procedure. You will be asked to empty the bladder before the procedure.
Depending on the type of cystoscopy, your doctor will ask you to make necessary preparations before the procedure.
Your medical provider may ask you to stop taking certain medications like blood thinners.
Inform the doctor if you are pregnant. General or regional anesthesia may be harmful to the fetus.
What is laser cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy is of two types:
Flexible cystoscopy
You can drink or eat and follow your normal diet.
The nurse will ask you to wear a hospital gown. You have to lie down for the examination.
The genital area is cleaned with an antiseptic. A numbing gel will be applied to numb any sensation during the procedure.
A sterile or saline water will be inserted to get a better view. The doctor then inserts a flexible cystoscope and moves it around to check abnormalities.
During this procedure, the doctor may collect a tissue sample for biopsy.
After the procedure, the sterile solution may be drained out or you will be asked to relieve yourself in the restroom.
Rigid cystoscopy
Rigid cystoscopy uses a cystoscope that is not flexible and cannot be bent or moved. This is normally done to treat the medical problem.
Your doctor may ask you to stop eating or drinking a few hours before the procedure.
The doctor injects a general anesthetic either in your spine or hand. You will be either asleep or the lower body will be numb during the procedure.
You will lie down on the examination table and your legs will be supported.
A sterile solution is pumped inside to get a better view of the bladder. The doctor then inserts a rigid cystoscope.
There are no cuts or stitches involved during a cystoscopy procedure.
A cystoscopy is a daily procedure and you will be released after a few hours.
Cystoscopic laser lithotripsy (cystolithalopaxy)
Urologists use holmium-assisted laser cystoscopy to break and extract stones from the bladder, ureters, urethra, and kidneys.
It is an innovative procedure where the stones are crushed and removed from a natural body opening like the urethra rather than making an incision. This prevents complications, and pain, and quickens recovery.
Holmium laser cystoscopy is also used for bladder tumor resections.
How long does cystoscopy take to perform?
A cystoscopy is a simple outpatient procedure. However, you may need hospitalization if the procedure was done under general anesthesia.
The maximum duration for a cystoscopy procedure is 30 minutes.
A flexible cystoscopy may take 5-10 minutes.
A rigid cystoscopy may take up to 30 minutes.
Recovery is quicker in flexible cystoscopy. You can return to your usual activities the same day or a day after cystoscopy. It depends on how fast you recover from the procedure.
In rigid cystoscopy, the recovery is slower. The doctor may ask you to take some days off from work. Someone should assist you for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
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