Our Services

Cystoscopy

Urology

Cystoscopy is a medical procedure that uses an endoscopic instrument to examine the inside of the urethra and bladder. The procedure allows doctors to diagnose and treat various urinary tract conditions by inserting the cystoscope through the urethra to observe the bladder.

Applications

Urologist may recommend a cystoscopy for the diagnosis or treatment of the following conditions:

Hematuria (Blood in the Urine)
Determine the cause, such as bladder tumors, stones, or infections.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
To check for abnormalities like bladder stones, polyps, or strictures that may cause repeated infections.
Urinary Problems
To investigate possible bladder outlet obstruction or neurogenic bladder issues, such as frequent urination, urgency, pain, weak urine flow, or urinary retention.
Chronic Pelvic Pain
To evaluate conditions like interstitial cystitis or other bladder-related disorders.
Bladder Cancer Screening & Monitoring
If there is a history of bladder cancer, cystoscopy can be used for regular monitoring.
Bladder Stones or Foreign Objects
To confirm and, if necessary, remove stones or foreign objects inside the bladder.
Urethral Strictures (Narrowing of the Urethra)
To check for narrowing that affects urination.

Types of Cystoscopy

There are two main types of cystoscopy, each used for different situations.

Type	Flexible Cystoscopy	Rigid Cystoscopy
Structure	Soft and bendable	Rigid metal tube
Purpose	Mainly diagnostic	Diagnostic + Therapeutic
Comfort Level	Less discomfort, no general anesthesia needed	More discomfort, may require anesthesia
Flexibility	Can be adjusted to reduce urethral injury	Provides a clearer image, useful for treatment
Common Use	Outpatient diagnostic procedures	Surgical procedures (e.g., tumour removal, stone extraction)

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy can be performed at an outpatient surgery center or in the operating room and typically does not require hospitalization. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Pre-Procedure Preparation

Diet and Hydration:
Generally, fasting is not required. However, if general anesthesia is needed, the doctor may advise fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure.

Infection Prevention:
Certain high-risk patients (e.g., those with compromised immune systems) may need to take antibiotics to prevent infection.

Emptying the Bladder:
Patients are usually asked to urinate before the examination.

2. Performing Cystoscopy

Anesthesia:

For flexible cystoscopy, local anesthetic gel is typically applied to the urethra.
For rigid cystoscopy, local, regional (spinal), or general anesthesia may be used to minimize discomfort.

Insertion of the Cystoscope:
The cystoscope is gently inserted through the urethra, allowing the doctor to examine the urethra and bladder internally via an endoscopic camera.

Saline Irrigation:
During the procedure, sterile saline solution is infused to expand the bladder, providing clearer visualization of the internal structures.

Examination and Treatment:
If any abnormalities are detected (such as polyps, tumors, or stones), the doctor may perform a biopsy (tissue sampling) or proceed with surgical treatment as needed.

3. Post-Procedure Care

Mild Hematuria and Urethral Discomfort:
It is normal to experience mild blood in the urine or urethral irritation, which usually resolves within a few days.

Hydration:
Drinking plenty of water helps flush the bladder and reduces the risk of infection.

When to Seek Medical Attention:
If there is fever, severe pain, or persistent blood in the urine, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Cystoscopy can be performed at an outpatient surgery center or in the operating room and typically does not require hospitalization. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Pre-Procedure Preparation

Diet and Hydration:
Generally, fasting is not required. However, if general anesthesia is needed, the doctor may advise fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
Infection Prevention:
Certain high-risk patients (e.g., those with compromised immune systems) may need to take antibiotics to prevent infection.
Emptying the Bladder:
Patients are usually asked to urinate before the examination.

2. Performing Cystoscopy

Anesthesia:

For flexible cystoscopy, local anesthetic gel is typically applied to the urethra.
For rigid cystoscopy, local, regional (spinal), or general anesthesia may be used to minimize discomfort.

Insertion of the Cystoscope:

The cystoscope is gently inserted through the urethra, allowing the doctor to examine the urethra and bladder internally via an endoscopic camera.

Saline Irrigation:

During the procedure, sterile saline solution is infused to expand the bladder, providing clearer visualization of the internal structures.

Examination and Treatment:

If any abnormalities are detected (such as polyps, tumors, or stones), the doctor may perform a biopsy (tissue sampling) or proceed with surgical treatment as needed.

3. Post-Procedure Care

Mild Hematuria and Urethral Discomfort:
It is normal to experience mild blood in the urine or urethral irritation, which usually resolves within a few days.
Hydration:
Drinking plenty of water helps flush the bladder and reduces the risk of infection.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
If there is fever, severe pain, or persistent blood in the urine, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Advantages & Risks

Advantages

Direct visualization of the bladder and urethra provides a more accurate diagnosis than ultrasound or urine tests.
Allows for immediate diagnosis and biopsy, improving the early detection of bladder cancer.
Minimally invasive, with a short recovery time, can often be done in an outpatient setting.

Risks

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – A small number of patients may develop an infection due to instrument insertion.
Urethral Injury or Bleeding – More familiar with rigid cystoscopy.
Urinary Discomfort – Temporary burning sensation, frequent urination, or hematuria may occur after the procedure.

FAQ

Flexible cystoscopy is performed under local anesthesia and causes only mild discomfort. Rigid cystoscopy may be more uncomfortable but is usually done under anesthesia to minimize pain.

Most patients resume normal activities the same day, but it is advised to drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activities for a short period.

There may be temporary urinary frequency, discomfort, or blood in the urine, which usually resolves within 1-2 days. If symptoms persist for more than 3 days or fever occurs, medical attention should be sought.

If you have blood in the urine, abnormal urination, recurrent infections, or a high risk of bladder cancer, your doctor may recommend a cystoscopy.

Ultrasound, CT, or MRI can provide some imaging information, but they cannot directly visualize the inside of the bladder, making cystoscopy the most accurate diagnostic method.