A Closer Look
Cystoscopy is a procedure that lets your doctor look
directly inside your urethra and bladder. Cystoscopy
can be used to help diagnose a problem with your urethra,
bladder, or kidneys. This procedure can be used to take
a sample (biopsy) of bladder or urethral tissue. It
can be used for treating certain problems (such as removing
kidney stones). Cystoscopy can also help take special
x-rays of the kidneys.
What is a cystoscope?
Cystoscopy is done using a cystoscope, a telescope-like
instrument that contains special lenses. The cystoscope
also contains fiberoptics, small glass wires that make
a bright light. The cystoscope may be straight and rigid,
or it may be flexible to bend around curves in the urethra.
What to Tell Your Doctor
Tell your doctor before the exam if you:
- Take any
medications, especially aspirin or blood thinners
- Have allergies
to any medications
- Are pregnant
Getting
Ready
To help prepare for the procedure, do the following:
- Stop
taking any medications as instructed.
- Plan for
the appointment to take 30 to 60 minutes.
- If the
procedure is being done in the hospital, ask whether
you should avoid eating or drinking anything after
midnight before the procedure.
- Follow
any other instructions your doctor gives you.
The
Procedure
Cystoscopy is done in the doctor's office or hospital.
The doctor and sometimes a nurse are present during
the procedure. It takes only a few minutes, longer if
a biopsy, x-ray, or treatment needs to be done.
During the Procedure
- You lie on an exam table on your
back, with your knees bent and legs apart. You are
covered with a drape.
- Your urethra and the areas around
it is washed.
- Anesthetic jelly may be applied
to numb the urethra. Other pain medication is
usually
not necessary. In some cases, you may be offered
a mild sedative to help your relax.
- The cystoscope is inserted. A
sterile fluid is put into the bladder to expand
it. You may feel pressure from this fluid.
- If a biopsy or minor treatment
is needed, it can be done through the cystoscope.
Your doctor can discuss this with you before beginning.
- When the procedure is done, the
cystoscope is removed.
After the Procedure
- You can go home when the procedure
is done. If you had IV sedation, have someone drive
you home.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- You may have burning or light
bleeding when you urinate. This is normal.
- Call your doctor if you have:
heavy bleeding or blood clots, burning that lasts
more than a day, a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit,
or trouble urinating.
Your
Urinary Tract
The urinary tract helps your body get rid of liquid
waste (urine). The two kidneys collect unneeded chemicals
and water, making urine. The urine then travels through
long tubes called ureters to the bladder. The bladder
stores urine until you are ready to release it. The
urethra is the canal that carries urine from the bladder
out
of the body.
Finding Out the Results
Your doctor will discuss the results of your cystoscopy
with you. If you had a biopsy, the results may take
a week or more. Based on the findings of your cystoscopy,
your doctor may recommend other tests or treatments.
Notice: Information on this web site is provided for informational
purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You
should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating
a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical
problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider.
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