Cystoscopy - Reasons to Perform It

Cystoscopy is the procedure in which a tube called "Cystoscope" is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to view it carefully from inside. Cystoscope is a thin tube which has camera and light on its end. The tube which carries the urine out of bladder is called as urethra. This procedure is performed to reveal many conditions like stones, cancer and bladder tumors.

Who should get Cystoscopy performed?

If you encounter any of the symptoms listed below, you are advised to get Cystoscopy performed.

• Blood in Urine
• Pain while urinating
• Frequent infections in urinary track
• Blockage in urinary track

Cystoscopy is also performed for following reasons:

To remove samples of tissue for testing (biopsy)

To remove foreign object from body

To insert stent which helps urine to flow from kidneys to bladder

It can also be done to treat problems like removing stones or growth of cancerous tissue.

To stop bleeding in bladder

Remove blockage from bladder

For injecting a dye which is used to take special type of X-ray of the kidney and ureter

Preparation for Cystoscopy

The doctor will review your medical history, allergies and medicines you take

Always tell your doctor if you are pregnant

You need to drink lots of fluid before the procedure

You may also have to take some laxatives and enemas to clear your bowel. This depends on the reason for your cystoscopy.

If you need anesthesia during the procedure, your doctor will tell you not eat or drink anything for specific time before the procedure

You will also have to give urine samples to check for urinary track infections

You will have to take antibiotics before the procedure

If you have any heart condition, always tell your doctor about it before the procedure, as you may have to take additional antibiotic for that

Cystoscopy - Procedure

Important signs like temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration are continuously monitored throughout the procedure

You will have to lie on an examination table on your back

You will have to bend your knees and slide your feet through two metal stirrups

The area surrounding urethra will be cleaned completely

To control the medicines and fluids, an intravenous line (IV) is inserted into one of your veins

Doctor will insert lubricated cystoscope into your bladder through urethra

A sterile liquid will be pumped into your bladder to expand it and give the best view to your doctor

You can see pictures transmitted from cystoscope on the nearby video screen

You may also feel coolness and fullness in your bladder

You may also have urge to urinate

Depending on the reason for cystoscopy, your doctor will pass instruments in the cystoscope and examine you

If you have swelling in urethra that could cause problems during urinating, a thin tube will be inserted through the urethra in your bladder for allowing urine to come out until the swelling goes

Doctor will remove your IV and prescribe you with some pain medications to relieve your pain

Cystoscopy - Care taken after the procedure

In some cystoscopy procedures, you may notice small amount of blood in the urine. This will stop within 24 hours of procedure.

You may also feel burning sensation while urinating

You may also have frequent urination. This is normal after the procedure and nothing to worry about.

Drink at-least six to eight glasses of water every day to flush urine and prevent urinary track infections

Restrain from vigorous exercise and any sexual activity

If your urine samples are taken during the procedure, call your doctor to find out results.

Cystoscopy may be painful for some patients. Proper care should be taken after cystoscopy as it may lead to many infections. If you feel severe pain and notice blood clots in your urine contact your doctor immediately.

Ravi Verma is a Freelance Medical Writer and contributor to a href = "http://www.healthprice.in" healthprice.in. He has 3 years of experience in writing articles on Health. Ravi likes to share information related to health.