Cystoscopy of bladder and urethra
It is a diagnostic study that allows endoscopic exploration of the internal part of the urethra and urinary bladder.
CONTACT USEffective analysis in men and women
The cystoscope is introduced through the male or female urethral meatus. Through it, it is possible to identify, monitor and finally treat conditions that damage the bladder and urethra.
Cystoscopy can also be used to take biopsies of a lesion for a specific diagnosis.
Bladder cancer can be high-risk, but remediable if treated early.
Cystoscope
It is the tool designed for this examination, its structure is composed of a small video camera with illumination that allows to see the urinary canal, the urethra and the walls lining the bladder.
Low risk of complications
This test has a very low chance of developing serious problems. Some bleeding and burning with urination are usually the most frequent symptoms.
The Specialist
The urologist is the professional in charge of performing this procedure in both men and women.
Frequently Asked Questions
The procedure as such usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, however, in this short period of time the following steps are executed:
1.- Emptying the bladder:
Urinating is the first action to be performed by the patient before being asked to get on the stretcher.
2.- Apply sedative or anesthesia:
If the test is performed on an outpatient basis, the physician will most likely give the patient some type of sedative to relax him/her during the process. If the surgical option is chosen, general anesthesia is necessary to numb the patient throughout the entire test.
3.- Introduction of the cystoscope:
After applying an anesthetic gel in the urethra to reduce the sensation of pain, the doctor will insert the cystoscope and begin to fill the bladder with saline to get a better view of the internal cavity. According to what the doctor observes, he may or may not suggest taking some tissue samples for a more detailed laboratory analysis.
Your doctor may recommend a cystoscopy when:
- It is required to investigate the causes of the repetitive appearance of symptoms that affect your daily life such as: incontinence, bleeding when urinating, swollen or overactive bladder, constant or painful urination, among others.
- To check for or rule out signs of cancer, prostate enlargement or bladder stones.
- To treat certain diseases by passing specific tools through the cystoscope (this option is widely used in the removal of bladder tumors when they are still very small).
Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms post cystoscopy:
- Permanent difficulty to urinate.
- A lot of blood or clots in the urine.
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Nausea.
- High fever.
- Burning when urinating two or more days after cystoscopy.