Cystoscopy is used to diagnose symptoms.

Urological Health

Cystoscopy's purpose.

Cystoscopy is a procedure that gradually inserts a tiny, flexible telescope into the bladder through the urethra. Urinary tract and bladder issues can be better understood, monitored, and treated using cystoscopy. Your doctor can suggest a cystoscopy to help diagnose your symptoms. Incontinence, painful urination, an overactive bladder, and blood in the urine are some of the symptoms.

What are the two types?

Cystoscopy diagnoses and treats bladder and urinary system disorders. Two types of cystoscopy: Flexible cystoscopy (mostly used in clinics) and stiff cystoscopy (hospital procedures using a non-bending cystoscope)

What can a cystoscopy show?

• A cystoscopy can detect bladder or urethral cancer.
• Bladder stones.
• Urinary incontinence/leaking.
• Prostate enlargement.
• Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain.
• Urinary strictures, fistulas.
• Urinary infections.

What's cystoscopy recovery like?

• Normalizing following flexible cystoscopy
• Flexible cystoscopies allow you to resume work, exercise, and sex as soon as you're ready. 
• This usually happens later that day or the next.

Is cystoscopy painful?

• Cystoscopy can be uncomfortable, but it is usually not unpleasant.
•  Many people report very slight discomfort or pressure, and even report no pain.

A more complete explanation:

• To reduce discomfort during cystoscope insertion, a numbing gel (local anesthetic) is administered to the urethra before the surgery.
• Discomfort during the procedure: Patients may experience pressure or slight burning as the cystoscope is inserted and moved around the bladder, despite the numbing gel.
• Some individuals may have burning when urinating or minor cramps in the lower abdomen after the cystoscopy operation. They normally go away in a day or two.
• To reduce post-procedure discomfort, try over-the-counter pain medications, warm baths, and increased fluid intake.

Personal experiences vary.

• People perceive pain differently. Previous cystoscopies and pain levels can affect discomfort.
• In conclusion, cystoscopy might be uncomfortable but is rarely painful. 
• Local anesthetic, scope type (flexible vs. rigid), and pain tolerance can affect discomfort.

Cost of a cystoscopy?

•  Cystoscopy in India costs between Rs. 31,000 and Rs. 75,000.

Which is better, CT or cystoscopy?

• CT is best for evaluating the kidneys, ureters, bladder, lymph nodes, and other organs. 
• CT scans and cystoscopies analyze the whole urinary system.
• A cystoscope is used to examine the bladder. 

Complications of cystoscopy include infection.

• Bleeding.
• Procedure-induced discomfort and edema cause urinary retention.
• Bladder perforation using the cystoscope
• Urinary scarring.

Can cystoscopy detect cancer?

• Cystoscopy is essential for bladder cancer detection; however, it is not perfect.

What % of cystoscopies show cancer?

This study included 316 patients who had video-recorded cystoscopies and follow-up. Initially, 181 patients had no bladder cancer symptoms. Reviewing the results of cystoscopy revealed that 17 patients (9.4%) had bladder cancer.

What are abnormal cystoscopy results?

• Abnormal results may suggest bladder cancer. Urinary calculi Decompressing bladder walls.

Why do I pee every 2 hours at night?

Drinking too much fluid before bed, certain drugs, or underlying medical issues might cause nocturia, or frequent midnight urination. A decrease in bladder capacity, a hyperactive bladder, or an enlarged prostate in men may also lead to urological health issues.

Some such causes are detailed below:

• Lifestyle factors.
• High Fluid Intake.
• Coffee with alcohol.
• Urinary tract infections may occur.
• Larger Prostate.
• Diabetes.
• Pregnancy:
• Conditions related to the bladder or pelvis include an overactive bladder.
• Disorders of sleep.
• Heart Failure.

Other factors:

• Medications:
• Age:

Solution:

• Limit fluid consumption before bedtime.
• Stay away from caffeine and alcohol before bed.
• Review medications.
• Check with your doctor if any drugs cause nocturia.

See a doctor.

• If lifestyle modifications don't work or you have other symptoms like urine discomfort or burning, 
• Maintain a bladder diary.
• Monitor your fluid intake and urination to find patterns and triggers.

The cystoscopy procedure

The video explains the treatment with a cystoscope.

During a cystoscopy, a thin, tube-like cystoscope enters the urethra and bladder to view the urinary tract. It diagnoses and treats UTIs, bladder stones, and abnormal growths. Local or general anesthesia can be used, depending on the cystoscopy's purpose and patient preference.

What's involved:

• To prepare, numb the urethra with local anesthetic gel or apply general anesthesia.
• Use a cystoscope with a light and lens to gently put it into the urethra and bladder.
• Examination: The doctor checks the bladder walls and urethra for abnormalities.
• Fluid Filling: The bladder is filled with sterile water or saline for better vision.
• Tissue samples can be collected for biopsy if necessary.
• Some diseases, such as minor bladder stones, can be treated during the surgery.

Why it's done:

• Diagnosis: To determine the source of blood in the urine, painful urination, or urinary frequency.
• Urinary strictures, bladder stones, and other disorders can be treated.
• Monitoring: Tracking conditions or treatments.

Expectations after:

• Discomfort: Urination may feel hot or uncomfortable following a cystoscopy, although it normally goes away within a day or two.
• Blood in urine, which appears pink, is common and should resolve quickly.
• Recovery: Most can resume normal activities the same day or the next.

Cystoscopy indications in detail:

1. Symptom Investigation:

For hematuria (blood in urine), cystoscopy can identify the cause of both visible and microscopic blood in the urine.

• The Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) include frequent urination, urgency, pain, trouble commencing urinating, and urine retention.
• Urinary Incontinence: Cystoscopy can pinpoint the reason for bladder control difficulties.
• For recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), it might uncover anatomical abnormalities or other causes.
• Cystoscopy can test for bladder inflammation, tumors, or other disorders that may cause chronic pelvic pain.

2. Diagnosing and Monitoring Conditions:

• Bladder Cancer: Cystoscopy and urine cytology are essential for diagnosing and monitoring bladder cancer.
• Cystoscopy can detect and remove bladder stones.
• Bladder inflammation (cystitis): It may identify and assess bladder inflammation.
• Cystoscopy can detect urethral strictures.
• Prostate disorders: Cystoscopy can detect BPH and other prostate disorders.
• Cystoscopy can identify and monitor urinary fistulas (abnormal bladder-organ connections).

3. Treatment:

Also, read https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/cystoscopy/

• Cystoscopy can remove some tiny bladder tumors.
• Cystoscopy can remove smaller bladder stones.
• Biopsies: Cystoscopy collects tissue samples for diagnosis.

Other Procedures: Cystoscopy can remove stents, install catheters, and inject Botox into the bladder.

In conclusion, cystoscopy can diagnose, monitor, and treat bladder and urethral disorders.

Urologists use cystoscopy to identify and treat bladder and urethral issues. The doctor inserts a narrow, illuminated cystoscope into the urethra and bladder to view the urinary tract, take biopsies, and treat it.

Diagnosis:

• Symptom investigation:
• Cystoscopy diagnoses blood in the urine, painful urination, frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and trouble urinating.
• Diagnosing bladder conditions: Identifies bladder cancer, stones, and inflammation (cystitis).
• To assess an enlarged prostate, cystoscopy can detect a constriction of the urethra when it passes through the prostate, indicating benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Examining recurrent UTIs can reveal structural abnormalities or obstructions in the urethra or bladder that may cause persistent infections.
• Urologists can perform a cystoscopy for additional investigation if CT scans reveal abnormalities in the bladder or urethra.
• Using cystoscopy, urologists can obtain tissue samples from the bladder or urethra to detect malignant or abnormal cells.
• Cystoscopy can visualize and remove bladder stones for treatment.
• To remove tiny bladder tumors, employ special devices passed through the cystoscope.  
• Cystoscopy can assist in increasing urine flow by shrinking the prostate in cases of enlarged prostate.
• Cystoscopy can be used to install or remove stents in the ureters or urethra.

Common Side Effects:

• Burning sensation while urinating is common following cystoscopy and often resolves within 1-2 days.
• Urination Frequency: You may experience more frequent urination for a short time after the treatment.
• Blood in the urine (hematuria), which might appear pinkish or brownish, is frequent in mild bleeding or spotting.
• Mild Pain or Discomfort: Patients may have abdominal or pelvic pain.

Rare yet Serious Side Effects:

• Infection of the urinary tract
• Bacteria from a cystoscopy may cause a UTI. Symptoms include burning during urination for more than two days, fever, and lower abdominal pain.
• Although minor pain is typical, some individuals may experience more severe pain that requires alleviation.
• In rare cases, the cystoscope may mistakenly penetrate the bladder or urethra, causing significant complications.
• Urethral Stricture: Scar tissue growth during cystoscopy can constrict the urethra, making urination difficult in rare circumstances.

Contact Your Doctor When:

• Should the burning sensation in the urine continue beyond two days,
• The patient may also experience prolonged bleeding or significant pain.
• Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) include fever, discomfort, and frequent burning during urination.
• You may experience difficulties with urination or bladder retention.

Conclusion

Cystoscopy is usually safe, but be aware of side effects and seek medical help if needed.