Cystoscopy is a urological examination of the lower urinary tract. It is carried out using a special camera instrument known as a cystoscope. The examination is used to diagnose diseases and minor interventions in the bladder. A cystoscopy is usually performed on an outpatient basis and only takes a few minutes.
Here you will find further information as well as selected doctors and centers for cystoscopies.
Cystoscopy can be used to examine the inside of the urethra
are examined.
A cystoscope is used for this purpose. This is a special tube-like, sterile camera instrument equipped with a small light source. The doctor pushes it through the urethra into the bladder. The cystoscope delivers the camera image from inside the bladder in color, well-lit and magnified directly onto a monitor.
This allows the doctor to view the structures of the bladder directly and examine them for changes and diseases.
Cystoscopy is a standard urological method, even more than 100 years after its invention. It cannot usually replace other modern imaging techniques such as ultrasound or computer tomography.
Cystoscopy can also be used to detect bladder cancer © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
Suspicion of the following pathological changes in the bladder requires a cystoscopy:
A cystoscopy is only possible to a limited extent or not at all in the case of
In children, adapted examination instruments are used and a short general anesthetic is administered.
The patient does not need to be fasting. The bladder should not be completely empty so that the instrument does not touch the mucous membrane.
A cystoscopy only takes a few minutes and can be performed on an outpatient basis. It is unpleasant, but does not cause any pain if performed correctly and with practiced hands.
During the cystoscopy, the patient is relaxed and lies on a special examination chair. The genital area is disinfected. Sedation or anesthesia may be required, but in any case the urethra must be locally anesthetized with a gel. A lubricant is also used.
The examiner inserts the cystoscope into the bladder through the urethra. To do this, the examiner stands in front of the patient and gently pulls the genitals with two fingers and describes the natural course of the urethra with the other hand and the instrument. He also observes the individual sections with the camera to avoid touching them internally.
The bladder is then filled with body-warm saline solution and unfolded to view all parts.
Another advantage of cystoscopy is that minor findings requiring treatment can be treated. During the cystoscopy, the doctor can
After cystoscopy, the patient must drink plenty of fluids to flush the bladder and urethra properly.
Urination may be painful at first and the urine may be a little bloody.
After a cystoscopy, an inflammation may occur that manifests itself with pain or fever. In these cases, the patient must see a doctor immediately, as a life-threatening situation can occur. Fortunately, this is extremely rare.
Symptoms of intolerance to drugs, latex or disinfectants or bleeding are also rare. Late disorders such as urethral constriction or sphincter problems are also very rare.
A cystoscopy allows the doctor to illuminate the inside of the lower urinary tract and view it directly. It is possible to combine this basic examination with minor procedures on the urethra or bladder such as
injections.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
