Understand cystoscopy procedures for bladder problems

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Definition

What is a cystoscopy?

Cystoscopy (cystoscopy) is a medical procedure that doctors perform to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra. The urethra is a tube that connects the bladder and functions as a place for urine (urine) to pass.

The cystoscopy procedure is performed with an instrument called a cystoscope. A cystoscope is a small, flexible tube with a lens or small camera at the end. This device is slowly inserted through the urethra into the bladder.

The cystoscope will show the insides of the urethra and bladder that are not clear on the scan x-ray . This procedure is generally useful in finding out the cause of bleeding, obstruction, or other abnormalities in the bladder or surrounding tissue.

If there is bladder disease, small surgical instruments can be inserted into the cystoscope to help the doctor collect tissue or urine samples. This procedure can also be used to remove bladder stones so that the patient does not need to undergo surgery.

Like any medical procedure, cystoscopy has its risks and not everyone can participate in it. Therefore, patients usually consult their doctor before undergoing cystoscopy.

Destination

What is the purpose of performing a cystoscopy?

Cystoscopy is a useful procedure for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra. Doctors usually recommend cystoscopy for the following conditions:

1. Detecting certain health problems

A cystoscopy can help detect health problems such as:

• blood spots in the urine (hematuria),
• urinary incontinence (involuntary passing of urine),
• the presence of abnormal cells detected in the urine sample,
• pain that doesn't go away when urinating,
• difficulty urinating, especially due to an enlarged prostate or narrowing of the urethra,
• cystitis (inflammation of the bladder),
• kidney stone disease or bladder stones, as well
• bladder cancer.

Cystoscopy can also be used to diagnose urinary tract infections. However, the patient will not undergo this procedure while the infection is recurring. You need to wait for the infection to get better to prevent the infection from getting worse.

2. Overcoming diseases of the urinary tract

Cystoscopy can help doctors insert special instruments into the bladder to treat certain diseases. For example, this device can be used to remove mineral stones from the urethra or urinary tract.

If the stone is found in a higher location, such as in the ureter or kidney, the doctor will extend the tube until it reaches the ureter. The ureter is the tube that drains urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Doctors also rely on cystoscopy to take samples or all of the tumor tissue from inside the bladder. The tumor sample will be examined further. Sometimes, this process is enough to treat the tumor so that the patient does not need to undergo surgery.

3. Monitor disease progression

Apart from being useful for early detection and treatment, cystoscopy is also performed to monitor the development of existing diseases. For example, some people routinely undergo cystoscopy after completing therapy for bladder tumors.

Routine cystoscopy helps detect signs of tumor recurrence so that patients can treat them before the tumor spreads. The doctor can also assess whether the patient needs other treatment or perhaps surgery.

4. Perform other medical procedures

Cystoscopy basically is a method of diagnosis, but doctors can also use it to perform other medical procedures, namely as follows.

• Take a urine sample from the bladder or urethra.
• Enter stent (small tube) into the narrowed ureter to help clear urine flow if there is constriction.
• Assist scanning with x-ray , as well.
• Removing the prostate gland with prostate surgery (using a special cystoscope that will cut the gland little by little).

Process

What is the cystoscopy procedure like?

There are two types of cystoscopy, namely flexible cystoscopy and rigid cystoscopy. Patients can choose between the two by consulting their doctor first. Both are performed by inserting a cystoscope into the urethra, but the tube used is slightly different.

Here are the preparations, procedures, and post-procedure care that you will undergo.

1. Flexible cystoscopy

Flexible cystoscopy aka flexible cystoscopy is the process of inserting a cystoscope of the more flexible type. You will be asked to follow a number of directions such as regarding eating, drinking, and taking medicine. Patients are usually allowed to eat and drink as usual.

Before undergoing the procedure, you will be asked to remove your clothes and put on a hospital gown. Your doctor may also ask you to take a urine sample to check for signs of infection. Cystoscopy may be delayed if urinary tract infections are present.

The flexible cystoscopy procedure generally consists of the following steps.

1. You lie down on a special bed.
2. Your sex organs are cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Then, the surrounding area is covered with a cloth.
3. Apply an anesthetic gel to your urethra until you feel numb. This gel also helps the movement of the cystoscope inside the urinary tract.
4. The cystoscope is inserted into the urethra and directed towards the bladder.
5. Doctors or nurses sometimes pump sterile water into the bladder to clarify the image display on the monitor.
6. After the doctor has the necessary information, the cystoscope will be removed from your urinary tract.

The nurse will accompany you during the procedure to explain what happened. You can also tell the nurse if you feel uncomfortable or feel like urinating. The entire procedure generally only lasts a few minutes.

Patients are usually allowed to go home after undergoing flexible cystoscopy. The results of the examination can be seen immediately, but you may need to wait for the results for the next 2-3 days when the doctor takes a tissue sample (biopsy) for further examination.

2. Rigid cystoscopy

Rigid cystoscopy or rigid cystoscopy is the process of inserting an immovable cystoscope. Depending on the type of anesthesia used, you may be partially or totally sedated during this process.

Prior to undergoing a rigid cystoscopy, you will be asked to fast for several hours. You also need to contact the relative who will drive you home as you won't be able to drive for the next 24 hours.

You will be asked to remove your clothes and put on a hospital gown. If deemed necessary, your doctor may also ask you to take a urine sample to check for signs of infection. Cystoscopy may be delayed if urinary tract infections are present.

After everything is ready, then you undergo a rigid cystoscopy with the following steps.

1. You are given an injection of a local anesthetic or a half body anesthetic.
2. You lie down on a special bed.
3. Your sex organs are cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Then, the surrounding area is covered with a cloth.
4. The cystoscope is inserted into the urethra and directed slowly toward the bladder.
5. Doctors or nurses sometimes pump sterile water into the bladder to clarify the image display on the monitor.
6. After the doctor has the necessary information, the cystoscope will be removed from your urinary tract.

As with flexible cystoscopy, a nurse will accompany you throughout the procedure. You may experience pain when the anesthesia is injected, but you will not feel any pain or discomfort afterward because your body is under the effects of the anesthetic.

After the entire procedure, you will rest in the ward for 1-4 hours or until the anesthesia wears off. Sometimes, patients need to wear a urine catheter to help urinate. The catheter will be removed before the patient goes home.

Patients are usually allowed to go home after being able to urinate on their own. The results of the examination can be seen immediately, but you may need to wait for the results for the next 2-3 days when the doctor takes a tissue sample (biopsy) for further examination.

Risks and Complications

What are the risks of undergoing a cystoscopy?

Any medical procedure that involves the insertion of a tool into the body carries a number of risks and complications, as does cystoscopy. The risks and complications of this procedure include:

• Pain. You may experience abdominal pain and pain and heat when you urinate. However, these complaints are usually mild and will improve with time.
• Infection. Although rare, cystoscopy can lead to the entry of germs into the urinary tract, leading to infection. This can be prevented by taking antibiotics.
• Bleeding. Cystoscopy can cause bleeding characterized by blood in the urine. However, this condition usually gets better on its own.

Most of the complications of cystoscopy are mild and will improve after a few days. You can relieve pain and discomfort by placing a warm washcloth against the end of the urethra.

Conditions such as infection and bleeding are also rare and preventable. However, immediately consult a doctor if you experience any of the following conditions.

• Inability to urinate (anuria) after cystoscopy.
• Stomach pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
• Fever more than 38.5 degrees Celsius.
• Fresh blood or blood clots appear in the urine.
• The body shivered.
• Pain or burning when urinating that lasts more than two days.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do your test results mean?

Some cystoscopy test results can be seen immediately after the procedure. The results of the biopsy will follow within a few days.

Resultnormal, if:

1. The urethra, bladder and ureters appear normal.
2. There are no polyps or other abnormal tissue, swelling, bleeding, narrowing, or other structural problems.

Resultabnormal, if:

1. There is swelling and narrowing of the urethra as a result of a previous infection or an enlarged prostate.
2. Detected the presence of tumors in the bladder (risk of cancer or benign), polyps, ulcers, stones, or inflammation of the bladder wall.
3. Visible abnormalities in the urinary tract structure from birth (congenital).
4. In women, pelvic organ collapse is detected.

Cystoscopy is a medical procedure used to diagnose, treat and monitor various diseases of the bladder and urinary tract. Based on the type of cystoscope used, this procedure can be divided into flexible cystoscopy and rigid cystoscopy.

Both procedures are performed by inserting a cystoscope into the bladder. However, there are slight differences so it is recommended that you consult your doctor before choosing the appropriate type of cystoscopy.