Cystoscopy

The cystoscopy is currently one of the most sought after medical tests, both men and between women. This is a test in which the urologist can view the lining of the bladder and urethra through a hollow tube called a cystoscope.

What is it?

Cystoscopy is known as a medical test that allows a comprehensive view of the interior of the bladder. It is a diagnostic test, although it can also be used as a treatment for certain conditions.

To carry out this test, an endoscope is used , a tube 40 centimeters long and around 0.5 centimeters in diameter; at one of its ends it incorporates a camera, through which the doctor observes the inside of the bladder in real time.

Why is it done?

As we have pointed out, cystoscopy allows us to visualize the interior of the urinary bladder. In addition, the endoscope can be used to take tissue samples from the walls of the urethra and bladder for biopsy if any abnormality is observed.

The performance of cystoscopy responds to a large selection of indications. One of the most frequent is to check if there is any type of alteration in the walls of the urinary tract that may correspond to a tumor, both benign and malignant.

It can also be done to take a direct urine sample to analyze whether or not there is infection ; in this way, contamination of the sample is avoided when it passes through the urethra to go outside.

Of course, thanks to this test, the doctor can diagnose the presence of a wide range of abnormalities in the bladder wall, such as cysts, diverticula, polyps and other formations . Some of these abnormalities can be fixed during the test.

As a medical treatment, cystoscopy can also remove urinary stones that are lodged in the bladder or urethra.

How it is performed?

Cystoscopy has a variable duration depending on the procedure to be used. If it is only done as a diagnostic, it takes just a few minutes. However, if it is necessary to carry out any type of intervention, such as surgical treatment, it can take more than half an hour.

In the vast majority of cases the test is performed on an outpatient basis, with regional anesthesia ; that is, once finished you can go home. It is best to go accompanied.

Previous preparation

Cystoscopy does not require any prior preparation. It is not necessary to go on an empty stomach to perform the test, but it is advisable to drink plenty of water during the days after the test.

Regarding taking medications, it is only necessary to avoid those that make it difficult for the blood to clot in any way if a surgical intervention is to be performed during the cystoscopy.

Carrying out the test

As we have pointed out, in the vast majority of cases, cystoscopy is performed using regional anesthesia . Therefore, the first thing is to make a small puncture in the back; in this way, the nerve roots of the spinal cord are directly anesthetized. In this way, the urinary tract completely loses sensitivity, although you stay awake during the test.

Next, medical personnel proceed to disinfect the genitals, as well as the entrance orifice of the urethra; To clean the depth inside the urethra, a liquid antiseptic is used , which incorporates some anesthesia to numb the area.

The urologist introduces the cytoscope through the urethra to see the interior of the bladder through the camera that it incorporates at one of its ends; through the instrument introduces physiological saline to distend the bladder . By the time the bladder fills with serum, it is completely normal to feel like urinating.

If the urologist detects any type of abnormality in the walls of the urethra or in the bladder, he can proceed to introduce different instruments to solve it: forceps, scissors, coagulation loops … If during the test tissue samples are extracted to perform a biopsy, you will feel a slight pinch.

After cystoscopy

After the test is done, the cystoscope is removed. During the following days it is common to feel pain in the urethra, as well as the presence of blood in the urine.

There are a series of home remedies that are very effective in minimizing discomfort as much as possible. First, it is advisable to soak a cotton cloth in warm water and place it on the urethra to relieve pain; you can repeat this procedure as many times as you like. Second, taking a warm bath is also helpful; however, in some cases baths are not advisable after a cystoscopy, so it is best to consult your doctor. And thirdly, it is essential that you drink plenty of water.

Results

A camera is incorporated at one end of the cystoscope, so that the urologist can access the results in real time, at the same time the test is performed. Therefore, it can immediately detect a large selection of malformations and lesions, as well as the presence of stones or polyps.

If the urologist suspects a possible tumor in the urethra or in the bladder, he can proceed with a biopsy; The results of this test are obtained a few days after the cystoscopy is performed since the tissue must be analyzed.

If some type of treatment is performed during the test, in the vast majority of cases the results are satisfactory; they hardly present any kind of complication.

Are there complications?

It is worth noting that complications after cystoscopy are not very common; they happen rarely. It is important to see a doctor urgently if you notice any of the following symptoms: fever , chills or a minimal amount of urine.

Complications occur in very rare cases; the most common are the following.

• Damage to the walls of the bladders or urethra , which can range from a small injury to a complete rupture of the wall. These types of complications can occur as a result of an error on the part of the urologist, or even due to chronic diseases suffered by the patient.
• Urine infection , which requires antibiotic treatment. It is important to seek immediate medical assistance to prevent the infection from ascending to the kidneys as it can cause pyelonephritis .
• In the case of men, one of the complications of cystoscopy is prostatitis , that is, infection of the prostate.