What to Expect During a Cystoscopy: A Step-by-Step Overview

Cystoscopy is a medical procedure in which healthcare professionals examine the urinary bladder using a thin flexible tube called a cystoscope. It is done to treat and diagnose various urological conditions. Commonly people are not aware of the procedure of Cystoscopy and have many questions.

Urologist which is known as urinary tract specialists perform this procedure. There are various conditions like bladder cancer, enlarged prostate, and severe urinary tract infection, which is to be treated or diagnosed with cystoscopy.

Cystoscopy Procedure

Before scheduling a cystoscopy you have to consult with a doctor, especially a urologist. You have to tell about your medical history, medications, allergies, or other concerns. Many medicines are used to thin blood and they need to be told by medical practitioners. Before going into the procedure of cystoscopy, a patient needs to talk about medication and other related medical history. There are some preparatory phase procedures, you need to know:

• There are some informed consent risks, benefits, and other alternatives to the procedure.
• You have to fast before few hours before the cystoscopy. This is because the entire procedure needs an empty bladder.
• You have to read the documents carefully and also understand the terms of the agreement.
• Some common antibiotics can treat infection and reduce its chances. Although these medications depend on specific circumstances of treatment.

During Cystoscopy procedure

There are different procedures for different treatments and diagnose. Anesthesia is also different, let’s talk about important points.

1. Local anesthesia is applied in the form of a spray to the numb urethral opening and reduces discomfort during the insertion of the cystoscope.
2. In some cases, doctors use conscious sedation, which means you will not be fully unconscious and feel drowsy.
3. General anesthesia is rarely used for cystoscopy and is used in complex cases or pediatrics.
4. The urologist will gently insert a cystoscope through the urethra into the patient’s bladder.
5. Now doctor will carefully examine your bladder searching for abnormalities like tumors, stones, and inflammation.
6. The camera can take pictures and video documentation of the inner parts.
7. A sterile injection is given to the patient for visualization of the lining. It may result in a feeling of mild discomfort which subsides quickly.
8. If there are more abnormalities then the doctor needs to do a biopsy in the same session. Some tissue samples need to be taken for further examination or creating conditions such as removing bladder tumors.
9. After the completion of the procedure cyst scope is removed gently from the bladder and urethra.

Recovery session after cystoscopy

After cystoscopy patient is not directly released to home because of drowsiness. And monitored until the effects of Anesthesia become normal, A few steps are also considered in the recovery session.

1. It is common for patients to feel discomfort after the cystoscopy, this may include a burning sensation, and an urgency to urinate.
2. Patients are released for their normal activities within a day or two days after cystoscopy.
3. Stannous exercises are recommended to avoid eight lifting for some time. After releasing to normal activities, the patient is scheduled for a follow-up session, for discussion of treatment and diseases.

Risk factors and complications of Cystoscopy

Certain risk factors need to be considered to become aware. In some cases, severe bleeding and pain may occur but it is a rare case.

• Infections of the urinary tract, pain during urination, and symptoms of fever are some risk factors.
• Mild bleeding from urethral opening is possible but it will be resolved quickly after the session closing.
• Cystoscope may cause perforation in the urinary bladder, although it is rare but the biggest risk factor associated with Cystoscopy.
• If the hole is formed in the urethral wall it needs to be treated immediately.
• There are some allergic reactions caused because of anesthesia or another medical procedure.
• Temporary discomfort symptoms include pain, bleeding, fever, drowsiness, and inflammation during urination.
• If there are prolonged symptoms like bleeding and fever you need to consult with a doctor and tell them about your problem and these require immediate medical attention.

Need of Cystoscopy: An Overview

Cystoscopy is a complex procedure of diagnosing inner tissue and needs to be performed by an expert urologist. You have to fast for a day before cystoscopy and do not feel tense as it is far better then the invasive procedure of the surgery. Cystoscopy is needed in the following cases:

1. Diagnose of bladder stones and bladder cancer.
2. Bladder control problems, like quick urination etc.
3. Benign prostatic hyperplasia
4. Urinary fistulas
5. Inject medication to stop urine leakage.
6. Removal of abnormal tissue and tumors.
7. In the case of biopsy.
8. In the treatment of holes in between two areas.

Conclusion

Cystoscopy is a valuable diagnosis and also a therapeutic tool for giving internal medication or injections in the urinary bladder. By understanding the steps of cystoscopy you can know more about potential risks and alternative options. You have to follow your healthcare schedule with proper medication and not ignore severe symptoms.

If you have symptoms and implications related to the urinary problem then consult the urologist. Cystoscopy requires an expert doctor and Dr. Saket Narnoli in Dhanbad Jharkhand is the best urologist, consult him for more guidance and questions.