A cystoscope is a tube or pipe that is thin in nature with a camera and a light on one of the ends. During the procedure of cystoscopy, an urologist inserts this thin tube through the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, which is known as urethra, and then enters the bladder so as to visualize the condition inside the bladder. Such images are then magnified with the aid of a camera and then exhibit on screen where the urologist can observe them.

Causes

Very often this procedure is investigated because your doctor thinks that you might be facing painful urination issue or some specific or multiple urinary problems as in:

• to study frequent manifestations of UTIs
• to count if patient is suffering from urinary incontinence or overactive bladder
• to observe blood in urine
• to see if patient is facing pain in pelvic girdle
• to remove the stones by passing tiny surgical tools
• to reveal the occurrence of bladder tumors/bladder cancer
• to study the flow of urine
• to observe the ureter blockages
• to see the enlargement of prostate gland
• to identify the kidney issues via X-ray by injecting dyes
• to see any sort of non-cancerous growth
• to take the samples of bladder tissue for further analysis, etc.
*Ureter: tubes that connect bladder to the kidneys

Treatment

Urologist might prescribe antibiotics before the procedure and after the procedure if the patient is suffering from UTIs or any other immunity issue. Before the procedure, doctor might provide you with general anaesthesia, after which you might feel a little dizzy which means you should plan rest after your surgery.

Procedure

Before the cystoscopy:
• go to the bathroom to empty your bladder
• lie down on treatment table
• antibiotics will be provided for the prevention of bladder infection
• anaesthesia will be given, along with sedative if needed
• lubrication of the cystoscope with the gel will be done
• followed by the insertion of cystoscope into the urethra (there might be an urge to urinate at this particular time)
• doctor will now look through the lens as the scope enters the bladder

This entire procedure varies from person to person, ranging from 5 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the anaesthesia given.

Complications

• Burning sensation during urination, this could last for few days.
• Frequent urination than the normal.
• Blood in the urine, specifically after biopsy.
• Urethritis (swollen urethra)
• Fever followed by strange smell of the urine, and lower abdomen as well as back pain is a sign for infection.
• Bleeding
• Obstinate stomach pain
• High fever
• Blood in urine
• Clot tissues in urine
• Voiding issues

Recovery

• Take rest as much as you can
• Drink lots of water/fluids
• Always keep a damp cloth near your side to put on urethra to subside the pain.
• Take the pain killers as prescribed
• Avoid alcohol intake
• Avoid heavy lifting
• Avoid sexual intercourse

Precautionary measures

Please do not hold urine, as the blood in the bladder could clot and further can create blockages. Fluids help in easing the bleeding, take the prescribed medications, moreover if you are unable to urinate contact your urologist at an urgent note.