What Is Cystoscopy and How Is It Applied?

Cystoscopy or cystourethroscopy is a procedure that allows a urologist to see the inside of the bladder and the urethra in detail. 

The cystoscopy procedure is used in making a diagnosis of bladder cancer.

What Is Cystoscopy?

Cystoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows the urology specialist to see the patient's urinary tract, bladder and urethra. Thanks to the application of cystoscopy, the urology physician examines their patient's urinary tract and detects the adverse conditions there. Cystoscopy provides such conveniences as enabling a diagnosis of bladder cancer to be made at an early stage, the detection of urinary tract infections and the discovery of obstructions and narrowings in the ureter.

For cystoscopy to be performed, a long medical instrument called a cystoscope is used. The cystoscope can be pushed in through the patient's urethra and extend as far as the bladder. Thanks to the lighted tube at the tip of the instrument, the urology specialist can comfortably examine the inside of the bladder.

In the examination of the inside of the bladder performed with the cystoscope, if there is a suspicion of bladder cancer and if it is considered necessary, pieces of tissue can be taken. This procedure is called a biopsy.

The Purpose of Performing Cystoscopy

The cystoscopy procedure is generally applied to reveal the causes of bleeding or obstruction and to find any abnormality in the bladder.

Cystoscopy may also be recommended if the urologist thinks there is a problem in their patient's urinary tract. For example, if a problem causing obstructions in urine flow is suspected.

Cystoscopy, as another purpose of use, can also be applied to check whether the sutures and treatment interventions have been carried out correctly after a surgical operation.

The conditions that can be diagnosed with the application of cystoscopy are as follows:

• Bladder cancer
• Tissue polyps or abnormal growths
• Urinary tract infections
• Inflammations of the urinary tract
• Bladder stones
• Wounds creating a urinary tract infection

How Is Cystoscopy Performed?

Cystoscopy is mostly performed as an outpatient procedure. Generally the patient is given antibiotics before the cystoscopy. The patient needs to empty their bladder completely. If considered necessary, a liquid or gel local anaesthetic can be used so that it comes onto the urethra. 

The patient, lying on their back, is asked to bend and open their legs. The cystoscope is extended through the urinary tract and is enabled to reach as far as the bladder.

With the aid of the cystoscope, water or saline is injected into the patient's bladder. The bladder, filled inside, is stretched and thus the doctor begins to examine the bladder wall thoroughly. If considered necessary, a urine sample can be taken from the bladder. At the end of the procedure the cystoscope is withdrawn slowly.

The cystoscopy procedure lasts approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

What Are the Risks of Cystoscopy?

Although the cystoscopy procedure is mostly a harmless and easy-to-apply procedure, in some situations complications can occur.

At the head of the situations that can be called a risk for cystoscopy is the possibility of infection occurring. A cystoscope that is not sufficiently clean or an inexperienced doctor can cause an infection to occur in the patient's urinary tract.

Making rapid and forceful movements during the procedure creates a risk of bleeding. As a result of a cystoscopy procedure performed incorrectly, although rarely, perforation of the bladder can occur.

The Process After Cystoscopy

After the cystoscope is removed, pain may be felt in the urethra and there may be a burning sensation for up to the first 48 hours. In the first hours the situation of blood being seen in the urine may also be experienced, but this should pass within 12 to 24 hours. Pain and bleeding that does not pass must without fail be discussed with a doctor.

After the procedure, unless otherwise advised, normal eating habits and physical activities can be returned to. After cystoscopy it may be advised to consume extra fluids that dilute the urine.

Antibiotics may be given in order to prevent the development of infection.

After cystoscopy, in the event that the following situations are experienced, the physician must without fail be informed.

• Fever and chills
• Urinary urgency
• Difficulty urinating
• Back pain
• The continuation of bloody urine