A cystoscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra with a tube known as a cystoscope. It can be performed in the office with some local numbing medicine placed into the urethra or in the operating room under sedation.  The cystoscope is inserted into the urethra during the test and carefully advanced into the bladder.  It has a  special light and lens to assist the urologist in an accurate visualization. While minimally invasive, the cystoscopy enables the urologist to see the targeted area with much greater clarity than other commonly used diagnostic imaging techniques, such as X-rays or other imaging studies.

 

Before undergoing a cystoscopy, urine is evaluated to check for presence of infection.  The patient is instructed to empty the bladder and given a dose of antibiotics for prevention of infection. Once the anesthesia, whether local or general, has been administered, the doctor inserts the cystoscope through the urethra and advances it into the bladder. Sterile water or a saline solution is used to fill the urethra and bladder, stretching their walls to provide the doctor with a more detailed view of the inner tissue.

Under some circumstances. additional miniature instruments may be inserted through the cystoscope to collect tissue samples for biopsy (if done in the operating room).

Complications of a Cystoscopy