Cystoscopy
During cystoscopy, we examine the urinary tract, urethra and bladder using an
instrument called a cystoscope.
There are two circumstances where we need
to do this procedure.
- Diagnostic cystoscopy
- Therapeutic cystoscopy
During Diagnostic Cystoscopy, we simply
examine the urethra and bladder to establish the diagnosis.
During
Therapeutic cystoscopy, we perform many other associated minor as well as major
surgical procedures and cystoscopy is part of the procedure.
Diagnostic Cystoscopy
Procedure
is performed in our office, usually under topical anesthesia (no needles).
Most patients find cystoscopy uncomfortable but quite tolerable. We
usually recommend cystoscopy for following symptoms or conditions.
- Blood in your urine (hematuria)
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary blockage
- Enlarged prostate
- Urinary tract infections
- Bladder cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Urethral stricture
- Bladder stones
- Trauma
There may be other reasons for us to
recommend a cystoscopy.
Risks of the
procedure:
As with any procedure, complications can occur.
Complications are minor and include, but not limited to following:
- InfectionBleeding
- Urinary Retention
- Bladder Perforation
Before the procedure:
- We will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask
any questions that you might have. You will be asked to sign a consent form
that gives us your permission to do this test. Read this form carefully and
ask any questions if you do not understand. Tell us if you are allergic to any
medications, latex, iodine, tape or anesthetic agents. Notify us of all
medications that you are taking. Notify us if you have a history of bleeding
disorders or if you are taking any blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin,
coumadin, plavix, persantine and vitamin E.
During the procedure:
- Procedure is performed in our office.You may be asked to remove some
clothing and will be given gown to wear. You will be positioned on the
examination table on your back. A topical anesthetic gel will be inserted into
your urethra. Once the urethra is numb, we will insert the cystoscope into the
urethra. You may experience some discomfort during the insertion of the
cystoscope.
- As the cystoscope is passed through the urethra, we will inspect the
urethral lining for any abnormalities such as stricture, tumor or lesions. The
cystoscope is then advanced into the bladder. We use sterile water to help
expand the bladder for better visualization, you may have urge to urinate or
may feel discomfort at this phase of examination.
- We will examine the entire bladder looking for any abnormalities such as
tumors, stones, inflammation, smoothness of bladder mucosa.
- The cystoscope will be carefully removed.
After the procedure:
- We will discuss with you and your family all our findings and results.You
may resume your usual diet and activities. Drink plenty of fluids. A warm sitz
or tub bath may be taken to help alleviate discomfort.
- You may notice blood in your urine for a short period of time.
- You may have temporary burning when you urinate.
- You may have sensation of passing air from your bladder during 1st or 2nd
voiding.
- You may be given an antibiotic to take after the procedure. Be sure
to take the medication exactly as prescribed.
Please call us if you are
experiencing:
- Fever and/or chills
- Grossly bloody urine
- Unable to urinate
- Constant burning on urination
- Pain on urination after 2-3 days
- You have any questions or concerns.
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