Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is a medical procedure used by urologists to examine the inside of the bladder and the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body. During a cystoscopy, a doctor inserts a cystoscope—a thin tube with a camera and light—into the urethra and advances it into the bladder. This allows the doctor to visually inspect these areas for any abnormalities such as tumors, stones, or infections.

The procedure is commonly used to:

• Investigate symptoms like blood in the urine, painful urination, incontinence, or overactive bladder.
• Diagnose conditions such as bladder cancer, bladder stones, enlarged prostate, or urinary tract infections.
• Treat certain urinary tract problems, like removing bladder stones or taking tissue samples for biopsy.

Cystoscopies can be performed using either a flexible or rigid cystoscope, depending on the purpose of the procedure. A flexible cystoscope is typically used for diagnostic purposes and is more comfortable for the patient, while a rigid cystoscope allows the doctor to perform treatments or biopsies.

It’s a valuable tool in urology for both diagnosis and treatment, providing direct visualization of the urinary tract.