A cystoscopy examination enables surgeons to diagnose and treat a wide range of urinary system problems.

When is a cystoscopy performed?

Patients undergo a cystoscopy to diagnose and/or treat the following conditions:

• Bladder tumors
• Urinary tract bleeding
• Frequency and urgency of urination
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Urinary tract stones
• Urethral stricture
• Other conditions

The test is also is potentially life-saving; it is an essential tool for diagnosing bladder cancer. 

The cystoscopy procedure

The minimally invasive procedure is performed by inserting an optical device called a cystoscope through the urethra into the bladder. There are two types of cystoscopes:

• A flexible cystoscope is used mainly for diagnosing and examining the urethra and bladder.
• The hard cystoscope allows surgeons to perform complex therapeutic procedures such as cauterizing blood vessels or conducting biopsies

The Assuta physician determines the type of test performed and selects the appropriate anesthesia, of which there are 3 types:

1. Local anesthesia: The anesthetic is applied locally to the urethral opening
2. Regional anesthesia: The anesthetic is injected into a specific place in the back (the injection location depends on the type of regional anesthesia: epidural or spinal)
3. General anesthesia: The anesthetic is injected intravenously and the patient is fully sedated.

During the surgery, the surgeon inserts the cystoscope through the opening of the urethra, up to the area of the bladder. Fluid is pumped into the bladder to expand it and allow the doctor to thoroughly examine all its areas.

The surgeon will choose whether to use the flexible cystoscope or the hard cystoscope based on the type of surgery performed for the patient, such as tumor resection, bladder stone removal, cauterizing bleeding blood vessels, or taking a biopsy. The whole process may take only a few minutes, but if the surgeon finds a condition that needs to be treated, the procedure will take a little longer – up to half an hour, sometimes an hour.

The operation is done on an ambulatory basis, and after recovery, the patient is discharged home.
 

Potential adverse effects of the cystoscopy procedure

On the day of the procedure, the patient may feel a slight burning sensation, which passes within 24-48 hours. The patient may also experience light bleeding for a day or two. Patients should pay attention to a high fever or signs of inflammation, and consult a doctor if experiencing any significant adverse effects or if the patient is in doubt.