Cystoscopy is mainly used to monitor, diagnose, and treat conditions that affect the urethra and the bladder. Urologists use cystoscopy to diagnose urinary tract problems. Cystoscopy is done to investigate bladder disease or conditions. This may include:

• To diagnose the presence of bladder stones, bladder cancer, bladder inflammation, or cystitis
• To diagnose the causes and symptoms of painful urination, urine infection, overactive bladder, etc.
• To detect bladder tumors
• To examine and diagnose an enlarged prostate
• To detect the presence of UTIs
• To detect urinary fistula or urethral strictures

For bladder-related treatment that requires a Cystoscope, the procedure given below is generally followed:

• First, urine samples are collected from the ureters.
• A dye is then injected for an x-ray process that tracks the urine flow. Next, doctors inject medicine to stop urine leakage.
• The doctor removes the ureteral stent, which is a small tube holding the ureter.
• The bladder stones are then removed.
• Also, tumors, abnormal tissue, or polyps (if present) are removed.
• The last step is to take the pieces of ureteral tissue or bladder for biopsy.

A normal outpatient Cystoscopy requires 5 to 15 minutes. For patients who are sedated, it might take 15 to 30 minutes. Here are a few things one can expect during the process:

• The patient needs to empty their bladder before undergoing this procedure.
• They will be asked to lie down on a table and keep their knees bent.
• Patients might require sedatives, depending on their condition.
• If a patient is sedated, he/she will likely feel sleepy. However, they may remain conscious during the procedure.
• The doctor then inserts the cystoscope and waits for a few minutes to ensure numbing.
• Doctors then push the cystoscope into the urethra using the smallest possible scope.
• The doctor examines the bladder and the urethra carefully with a lens fitted inside the cystoscope. This allows the doctor to view the insides of the bladder properly.
• As the bladder fills, the patient might gradually feel the urge to urinate. The patient is encouraged to urinate once the process is complete.
• Finally, doctors may take tissue samples for biopsy.

Patients may expect the following:

• After Cystoscopy, patients may resume their routine.
• If a patient was sedated, they might be advised to stay in a recovery room to allow the effects of the anesthesia to wear off.
• Patients might experience side effects such as urethral bleeding, pink urine, or other urinary issues.
• Patients might also experience a burning sensation while urinating.
• Frequent urination can be seen in the next two to three days.
• Patients are asked to drink at least 16 ounces of water every day to flush out the irritants from the bladder.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers might be prescribed.
• For pain relief, patients may place a damp washcloth on their urethral opening.
• It is advisable to take a bath in warm water, but not before the doctor advises.

The following are a few potential complications or risks of cystoscopy:

1. Bleeding: Cystoscopy might cause bleeding for a while. Patients might notice blood during urination. However, heavy bleeding rarely occurs.
2. Infection: The cystoscopy process often introduces germs inside the urinary tract. Thus, infection is a possibility. Patients at risk of such infections include senior citizens, chain smokers, and people with unusual urinary tract anatomy.
3. Pain: After cystoscopy, patients might experience a burning sensation while urinating. Abdominal pain is also a possibility. These symptoms are mild and get better gradually with proper medication.
4. High fever and nausea: Patients might also feel chills and have fever up to 101.4 Fahrenheit. This might be accompanied by nausea.

For bladder stones, tumors, or urinary tract issues, contact specialists at Smiles Institute of Gastroenterology.