Endoscopic examinations —
Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy is an important endoscopic examination for diagnosing various urinary tract diseases. This examination is necessary for symptoms such as blood in the urine, recurring bladder infections, bladder tumors, bladder emptying disorders and bladder stones. In some cases, cystoscopy also enables immediate therapeutic intervention, such as the removal of tissue samples (biopsies).
A cystoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the bladder in which the doctor uses a special endoscope, the cystoscope, to inspect the bladder. In men, the urethra and prostate are also examined (urethrocystoscopy). Despite advanced imaging techniques such as ultrasound and X-ray, this method remains indispensable in certain cases.
Either a flexible or a rigid cystoscope can be used for cystoscopy. The flexible cystoscope adapts better to the man’s curved urethra and is easier to insert. The rigid cystoscope, on the other hand, offers better image quality and larger irrigation and working channels, which is advantageous for procedures such as biopsies. By placing a camera on the cystoscope, the image can be viewed on a video monitor.
The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and only takes a few minutes up to a maximum of 15 minutes. A general anesthetic is only required for children. In adults, a sterile, local anesthetic and disinfectant lubricant, such as Instillagel®, is instilled into the urethra before the examination. After an exposure time of 5 to 10 minutes, the doctor begins the examination.
After a cystoscopy, you may temporarily experience a frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation in the urethra and a small amount of blood in the urine. A urologist should be consulted if the symptoms are severe or persistent. The risk of injury to the urethra or bladder is very low, and urinary tract infections rarely occur due to the sterile working method.
Summary
Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic and therapeutic method for the investigation and treatment of various urinary tract diseases. It enables precise inspection of the bladder and, if necessary, therapeutic measures. Despite modern imaging techniques, cystoscopy remains indispensable for certain indications. The risks of the procedure are very low and it is usually associated with minimal discomfort.