Cystoscopy
Is a diagnostic procedure that allows the physician to directly examine the urinary tract, particularly the bladder and the urethra.
Cystoscopy can assist in identifying problems with the urinary tract, such as early signs of cancer, infection, strictures (narrowing), obstruction, and bleeding. A long, flexible, lighted tube, called a cystoscope, is inserted into the urethra (the tube that allows urine to pass outside the body) and advanced into the bladder. In addition to allowing visualization of the internal urethra and bladder, the cystoscope enables the physician to irrigate, suction, inject air, and access these structures with surgical instruments. During a cystoscopy, the physician may remove tissue for further examination and possibly treat any problems may be detected.
GVM International is equipped with the latest Cystoscopy technologies manufactured by the leading manufacturers in the world.
Therapeutic indications include the following:
- Treatment of urethral strictures
- Bladder neck procedures
- Intravesical procedures (eg, for treatment ofbladder stones, bladder ulcers, or bladder tumors; removal of foreign bodies in the bladder; botulinum toxin injection; and ureteral catheterization in association with some gynecologic problems)
Preparation & Procedure
You do not need to come with a full bladder
Before the procedure, a patient is given anesthesia. It can be general or local anesthesia depending on the duration of the operation and the condition of a patient. General anesthesia is more preferable as it allows maximal relaxation of the muscles and consequently, reduces the risk of urethral traumas.
A patient is lying on his or her back with the legs widely apart. This position makes access to the urethra and the bladder easier.
Before inserting a cystoscope, it should be lubricated with Vaseline for easier insertion. A cystoscope is a flexible or a hard lighted tube. When a cystoscope is inserted, it is filled with a physiological solution to improve the visibility. A specialist examines the walls of the bladder, detects the changes and if necessary, performs biopsy.
As the anatomical structure of the female urethra is different, it is easier to perform the procedure in women. Cystoscopy lasts for 20-30 minutes.
Diagnostic indications for cystoscopy include the following:
- Evaluation of patients with voiding symptoms (storage or obstructive)
- Gross or microscopic hematuria
- Evaluation of urologic fistulas
- Evaluation of urethral or bladder diverticula
- Congenital anomilies in pediatric population
- Retrieval of samples (for cytologic and histologic studies)
- Intraoperative evaluation of the urethra, bladder, and ureters after some incontinence or prolapse procedures
- Retrograde pyelography for upper urinary tract evaluation
Contraindications
Contraindications are as follows:
- Acute infection
- Intolerance of pain (although rare, this may necessitate the use of general anesthesia in the operating room)
- Urethral stricture (this could indicate the presence of carcinoma, and a biopsy should be performed if carcinoma is even remotely possible or if the overlying urothelium appears abnormal)
- Lidocaine or latex sensitivity (these should be considered, and if present, lidocaine and/or latex should be avoided)