Cystoscopy is the procedure employed by doctors to inspect and sometimes to treat conditions affecting the urinary system. You may need cystoscopy if you have blood in your urine, painful urination, leaking urine or if you cannot urinate. In a cystoscopy, a urologist examines the inside of your bladder as well as the urethra through a scope.
This article is for you if you are among those that your doctor has advised that you undergo a cystoscopy you are probably feeling somewhat concerned and want to know some things about it.
Cystoscopy refers to a medical procedure in which a surgeon gains an up-close view of the bladder and urethra. The reason is that it will also be prescribed for the investigation of ongoing urinary symptoms or a particular disease. This procedure is very crucial in the effective diagnosing and managing of most complications affecting the urinary tract system. It is a diagnostic and treatment procedure in which different bladder and urinary tract disorders can be treated accurately.
In this blog you will find information about what cystoscopy is and what sort of things you can expect from the procedure. We’d like you to be as informed and comfortable as possible throughout it. Cystoscopy is a term many will not have heard of or come across in our day to day lives and so, let us make it easy and stress-free to comprehend.
When Is Cystoscopy Surgery Done?
Cystoscopy is typically performed to diagnose, evaluate, or treat issues affecting the bladder and urinary tract. Your doctor may recommend this procedure in the following situations:
1. Unexplained Urinary Symptoms
If you’re experiencing frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), blood in the urine (hematuria), or persistent pelvic pain, a cystoscopy helps identify underlying causes.
2. Bladder Problems
This is one of the essential procedures that can diagnose conditions such as bladder stones, tumors, or inflammation (cystitis). It also assists in the assessment of problems with bladder control, for example, overactive bladder or incontinence.
3. Urethral Concerns
In case there is a suspected blockage or narrowing of the urethra, cystoscopy can provide a clear view to pinpoint the issue.
4. Follow-Up for Cancer
In addition to these, cystoscopy is used to monitor the patient for recurrence in the history of bladder cancer.
5. Guided Treatments
Cystoscopy is not only diagnostic; it’s also therapeutic. In addition to diagnosing the cause, doctors can also treat it by removing bladder stones, biopsies, or even treating small tumors in the bladder during cystoscopy.
The physician will recommend cystoscopy if it is the most effective way to gain insight into your urinary health and provide the necessary treatment.
How is cystoscopy surgery done?
cystoscopy takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes. It depends on what is intended to be done during the procedure. Here’s how it’s performed:
Pre-Procedure
Before the procedure, you will be required to drain your bladder. Anesthesia (gel) in the local type is the most commonly used; general or spinal anesthesia may be used depending on the procedure.
Insertion of the Cystoscope
A thin, tube-like instrument known as a cystoscope is passed gently through the urethra into the bladder. The cystoscope has a camera and light for an unobstructed view of the urinary tract.
Examination of the Urinary Tract
The doctor examines the walls of the urethra and bladder for inflammation, stones, tumors, or other abnormalities while advancing the cystoscope. The bladder may be expanded by introducing sterile water or saline for better visualization.
Additional Procedures (If Needed)
If needed, tools can be passed through the cystoscope to perform treatments, such as removing small tumors, taking biopsies, or addressing blockages.
Completion
Once the examination or treatment is done, the cystoscope is withdrawn with extreme care.
Post-Procedure Care
Following the procedure, patients may have mild pain, a feeling of slight burning during urination, or pinkish tinge of urine due to minor irritation. These symptoms usually take a day or two to resolve.
Cystoscopy is an excellent means of diagnosing and treating urinary tract conditions in real time, thus offering possible treatment options in a least invasive manner.
What are the Types of Cystoscopes?
Cystoscopes are specific endoscopy equipment designed for observation of the bladder and the urethra, coming in two types as generally accepted.
Flexible Cystoscope
It has a bendable, soft tube, designed to follow the natural curves of the urethra. The most common usage is diagnostic or routine examinations of the bladder and the urethra. These flexible cystoscopes tend to be more comfortable for the patient and are typically performed under local anesthesia. The flexibility of the device allows it to adapt to the anatomy, which is why they are a first choice for outpatient or less invasive procedures.
Rigid Cystoscope
The rigid version of a cystoscope has an inflexible, straight tubing. It has a far clearer and steadier picture, and for that, it is generally used more in procedures which require delicate handling like taking a biopsy, removal of bladder stone, or the removal of tumors. Its rigidity makes it typically applied by sedation, spinal anaesthesia, or general anesthesia to keep a patient very comfortable while under treatment.
How Long Is Recovery Time for a Cystoscopy?
The amount of time it takes to fully recover from a cystoscopy depends on the kind of procedure performed and one’s general health. The recovery for most diagnostic cystoscopies is quick and uneventful, given the minimally invasive nature of the procedure. What can be expected is explained here.
Immediate Recovery Within Hours
Most patients are able to resume their daily activities on the same day of the procedure. Patients may experience some mild pain, such as a burning sensation during urination or pinkish color of the urine, but this should resolve within a day. Drinking plenty of fluids may help flush out the bladder and alleviate these symptoms.
Short-Term Recovery (1–2 Days):
Mild cramping or light bleeding can last for a day or two after procedures involving biopsies or minor treatments. These symptoms fade over time as the bladder and urethra heal.
Extended Recovery (Up to a Week):
Recovery may take up to a week if a more extensive cystoscopy has been performed, such as tumor removal or stone extraction. Your doctor may advise you to rest, medications to prevent infection, and avoid strenuous activities.
When to Call Your Doctor
Recovery is usually smooth. However, if you are experiencing any of the following, contact your healthcare provider:
- Persistent pain or burning after a couple of days.
- Bright red blood in your urine.
- Fever or chills, which may indicate infection.
- Difficulty urinating.
Most patients recover completely within a few days to a week after a cystoscopy with proper care and following the doctor’s recommendations.
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