Cystoscopy and Ureteroscopy

Cystoscopy and Ureteroscopy

In cystoscopy, the doctor examines the inside of the urethra and bladder for problems using a cystoscope, which is a thin instrument with light and lens at the tip. The cystoscope is inserted into the urethra. The small lens of the cystoscope magnifies the inner lining of the bladder and urethra, which helps the doctor examine the hollow bladder for problems.
Cystoscopy is used for the following condition:

• Blood in the urine
• Need for a bladder catheter
• Unusual cells found in urine
• Painful urination
• Frequent urinary tract infections or stone in the tract
• Loss of bladder control
• Urinary blockage
• Painful urination
• Unusual cells from urine sample
• Chronic pelvic pain/cysts
• Unusual growth, tumor

Doctors often perform cystoscopy procedures under a general anesthesia. Water or saline is used to fill the bladder through the cystoscope to give the doctor a better view and diagnose a urinary problem. The procedure may be used to diagnose an enlarged prostate. During the procedure, patients are made to lie on their back with knees raised. Local anesthetic is applied at the urethral opening to ensure that the patient does not experience any discomfort or pain during the procedure.

Ureteroscopy

In ureteroscopy, the doctor examines the urinary tract to remove stones from the ureter, which connects your bladder and kidney. The procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia. The doctor uses a thin instrument, known as ureteroscope, to see inside the ureter and find traces of stones.
The ureteroscope uses the small basket at its tip to remove the stone. The procedure may also be used to extend a flexible fiber through the ureteroscope for emitting a laser beam that breaks the stone into tiny pieces. The stone pieces will pass through urine.

Need for Ureteroscopy

The procedure may last a few minutes or it may take longer if a stone is found.

• Hematuria
• Kidney stone in ureter
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Urinary blockage caused by narrowing of ureter
• Unusual polyp, growth, cancer, or tumor
• Unusual cells found in urine

Patients may experience a mild burning feeling upon urination after the procedure for 24 hours. Some patients may also find traces of blood in urine. However, it is important to inform the doctor if you experience severe pain or bleeding, which last more than a day.