Rigid cystoscopy (male): procedure, safety, side effects, and benefits

Definition

What is rigid cytoscopy?

Rigid cytoscopy is a procedure for examining abnormalities in the bladder using a cytoscope (rigid telescope). In some cases, abnormalities in the bladder and urinary tube can be treated at the same time. For an accurate examination, the doctor will recommend a rigid cytoscopy. However, the decision remains with the patient.

When should I have a rigid cytoscopy?

This procedure may be recommended if the patient has pain, blood in the urine or recurrent infections, or irritation of the bladder (uncontrolled urination). If problems are found during the cytoscopy, the doctor may perform a biopsy (remove a small piece of tissue), or perform a treatment using the cytoscope itself. However, if the cytoscopy is normal, the doctor will immediately inform the patient.

Precautions & warnings

Are there alternatives to surgery?

Examination through scan is only able to provide information related to the cause of the disease problem. However, cytoscopy more often leads to a diagnosis of disease. Some bladder abnormalities can only be seen with a cytoscope; flexible cytoscopy only requires gel anesthesia. However, some types of abnormalities in the bladder and urinary tube cannot be diagnosed using flexible cytoscopy.

What are the consequences of not undergoing rigid cytoscopy?

Doctors cannot accurately diagnose the disease. Discuss with your doctor if you decide not to undergo this examination procedure.

Process

How is a rigid cytoscopy?

The medical team will provide a form that the patient must fill out first. This form

contains the name of the patient and the procedure to be undertaken.

Rigid cytoscopy procedures are usually performed under general or spinal anesthesia. On

Generally, the procedure takes less than 30 minutes.

The doctor will insert a cytoscope into the patient's bladder through the urethra. Using a cytoscope, the doctor will look for abnormalities in the lining of the bladder and perform a biopsy if necessary. If a bladder stone is found, the doctor may remove it through a cytoscope.

What should I do before undergoing a rigid cytoscopy?

Make sure you tell your doctor about any medications you are taking and follow the doctor's directions. Before starting this procedure, avoid taking warfarin or clopidogrel. For people with diabetes, sugar levels should be controlled ahead of the procedure. The doctor will give you instructions on when you can take your medication. For patients who are undergoing blood pressure treatment using beta-blockers, they are allowed to continue taking the medication as usual. For smokers, avoid smoking a few weeks or more before the procedure.

What should I do after undergoing a rigid cytoscopy?

You are allowed to go home the same day after recovering from anesthesia and can urinate normally. However, your doctor may recommend that you recover in the hospital. Within 24 hours, avoid dangerous activities such as driving and cooking until you have fully recovered. Rigid cytoscopy procedures are usually painless. However, if you feel pain, you are allowed to take paracetamol to reduce the pain. The next day, you can return to your normal activities unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Regular exercise has been shown to speed up recovery. But before deciding to exercise, ask your doctor for advice. Our doctor will share the findings of the cytoscopy and discuss any necessary treatment or follow-up.

You also need to change your lifestyle, including:

quitting smoking can reduce the risk of complications as well as improve long-term health

take care of your weight. Obese patients are more at risk of complications

regular exercise can improve long-term health

Complications

What complications can occur?

Common complications that can occur after surgery is the post-anesthesia effect. The anesthetist will explain the risk of complications from the use of anesthesia. For rigid cytoscopy, complications that may occur are:

Bleeding during or after a procedure. The first time you urinate, you may find blood in your urine. Most of these things are encountered by men who
undergo a biopsy. Bleeding is usually very small. The healthcare team will use a catheter (tube) into your bladder to wash the blood or remove a blood clot (called a 'bladder washout').

Infection. If you urinate more frequently, feel pain, and you pass a small amount of urine, you may have an infection. If these symptoms get worse, contact your doctor immediately. These infections may need to be treated with antibiotics.

Narrowing of the urethra (urethral stricture), caused by the formation of scar tissue. This condition is rarely encountered after the patient has gone through a single cytoscopy process. But if this happens, you need further treatment through surgery. (Range of risks: less than 1 in 1,000). Perforated bladder. If this happens, you will need to use a catheter that is placed in the bladder for a few days while the hole heals. If the hole does not heal, you will need further treatment through surgery. If the information you have is not clear, discuss these possible complications with your doctor.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.