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Cystoscopy - Overview

Alternative Names

Cystourethroscopy; Endoscopy of the bladder

Definition of Cystoscopy:

Cystoscopy is a procedure to see the inside of the bladder and urethra.

How the test is performed:

Cystoscopy is performed with a cystoscope -- a specialized tube with a small camera on the end (endoscope). There are two types of cystoscopes:

Standard, rigid cystoscope
Flexible cystoscope

The way the cystoscope is inserted varies, but the test is the same. Which cystoscope your doctor uses depends on the purpose of the exam.

If the standard rigid cystoscope is used, you will lie on your back with your knees up and apart. If a flexible cystoscope is used, this position will not be necessary.

The procedure usually takes 5 - 20 minutes. The urethra is cleansed. A numbing medicine is applied to the skin lining the inside of the urethra, without using any needles. The scope is then inserted through the urethra into the bladder.

Water or salt water (saline) flows through the cystoscope to fill the bladder. As this occurs, you will be asked to describe the feeling. Your answer will reveal information about your condition.

As fluid fills the bladder, it stretches the bladder wall. This lets your health care provider see the entire bladder wall. You will feel the need to urinate when the bladder is full. However, it must remain full until the examination is complete.

If any tissue appears abnormal, a small sample can be taken (biopsy) through the cystoscope and sent to a lab for analysis.

How to prepare for the test:

You should make arrangements for someone to take you home from the hospital.

How the test will feel:

You may feel slight discomfort when the cystoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder. You will feel an uncomfortable, strong need to urinate when your bladder is full.

You may feel a quick pinch if a biopsy is taken. After the cystoscope is removed, the urethra may be sore. You may have blood in the urine and a burning sensation during urination for a day or two.

Why the test is performed:

Check for cancer of the bladder or urethra
Diagnose and evaluate urinary tract disorders
Diagnose recurrent bladder infections
Help determine the cause of pain during urination

Cystoscopy

Reviewed last on: 6/17/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Carter HB, Chan DY. Basic instrumentation and cystoscopy. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 6.

French L, Phelps K, Pothula NR, Mushkbar S. Urinary problems in women. Prim Care. 2009 Mar;36(1):53-71, viii.

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