What Is Cystoscopy and How Is It Performed?

Cystoscopy is an endoscopic diagnostic method that allows direct visualization of the inside of the urinary canal (urethra), the prostate area and the bladder. It is performed with a thin device equipped with a camera system (a cystoscope) and is a reliable examination used quite frequently in urology.

This procedure can be used both for diagnosis and to perform some minor interventions.

Why Is Cystoscopy Performed?

Cystoscopy is requested in the following situations:

Blood in the urine
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Difficulty urinating
Suspicion of a bladder tumor
Suspicion of a bladder stone
Evaluation of prostate-related obstruction in men
Lower urinary tract complaints of unexplained cause

How Is Cystoscopy Performed?

The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and does not require hospitalization.

Preparation Stage

The patient is taken into the urology examination room
Usually no special fasting is required
A local anesthetic gel is applied inside the urethra

Anesthesia

Cystoscopy is mostly performed with:

Local anesthesia (most common)
Rarely, sedation or general anesthesia

. With local anesthesia, a numbing gel is applied to the urinary canal.

Placement of the Cystoscope

The thin camera system is advanced through the urinary canal
The urethra and prostate area are visualized
Then the bladder is reached

Examination of the Bladder

The inner surface of the bladder is examined in detail
A biopsy can be taken if necessary
If there is a stone or tumor, it is detected

Completion of the Procedure

The device is slowly withdrawn
The procedure usually takes 5 to 15 minutes

Is Cystoscopy Painful?

In most patients, the following may occur:

A mild burning sensation
A feeling of pressure in the urinary canal
Short-term discomfort

. Thanks to local anesthesia, severe pain usually does not occur.

What Happens After Cystoscopy?

After the procedure:

A burning sensation for a few hours
Mild blood in the urine
A feeling of frequent urination

are considered normal and usually pass in a short time.

What Are the Possible Risks?

Cystoscopy is generally a safe procedure, but rarely the following may occur:

Urinary tract infection
Temporary burning when urinating
Mild bleeding
Very rarely, inability to urinate

How Long Does Cystoscopy Take?

It takes 5 to 15 minutes on average
Including preparation, the total time is a short outpatient procedure

Who Should Not Have Cystoscopy?

If there is an active:

Urinary tract infection
Condition with high fever

, the procedure can be postponed.

Summary

Cystoscopy is a fast, reliable and frequently used urological procedure that allows direct visualization of the urinary tract and bladder. It is usually performed under local anesthesia and is comfortably tolerated by most patients. Because it is very valuable in making a diagnosis, it is an important examination method, especially in cases of blood in the urine, infection and urination problems.