What is a Cystoscopy?
During a cystoscopy, a doctor will use a cystoscope to examine the urinary bladder. There are several reasons why a person may need this procedure. It is important to know about the procedure, its indications, and its effects on the body.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cystoscopy may include burning or tingling in the urethra, mild discomfort in the bladder, and the need to urinate. It is important to report any of these symptoms to your doctor. In most cases, they should go away within a few days. If they are bothersome, you may need additional cystoscopy.
If you experience fever or chills after your cystoscopy, you may have an infection. In this case, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully. You should avoid activities that may cause further infection. If you have a fever of 101 degrees or higher, you should contact your doctor right away.
You may also notice blood in your urine. This may indicate a bladder infection. You may need to visit the emergency room. You may also have blood clots in your urine. These blood clots can block the flow of urine. You should also increase your fluid intake. You may need to rest.
You may also feel the need to urinate more than usual. If you do, you may need to have a catheter placed in your bladder to help you urinate. You may also experience a slight pinch. This pinch may happen because of the biopsy. The biopsy may remove small pieces of tissue. The results may take two to three weeks to come back.
If you have had general anesthesia for your cystoscopy, you may have to stay in the recovery room for a few hours. Your doctor may also give you a sedative to help you relax. The sedative may take up to three hours to leave your system.
If you experience bleeding after your cystoscopy, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few hours. You may also need to rest at home for a few days. This is because general anesthesia can make you feel groggy.
If you have had a flexible cystoscopy, you may be able to go home that day. You may need someone to drive you home, though. Most hospitals do not offer ridesharing services. If you are unable to get a ride home, you may need to contact the doctor’s office to arrange a ride.
Indications
Having a cystoscopy is a surgical procedure where the urologist views the inside of your bladder. It is done to diagnose and treat urinary tract problems. This procedure is usually very safe and does not have any major complications. It can be done to anyone. It is usually performed under a general anesthetic.
There are two main types of cystoscopy. Rigid cystoscopy and flexible cystoscopy. Rigid cystoscopy is carried out under general anesthetic. During this procedure, a thin viewing tube is passed into the bladder.
Rigid cystoscopy is carried over several hours. The patient will need to stop eating and drinking for several hours after the procedure. It is also advisable to avoid driving for 24 hours. The patient may also need to arrange a lift home.
Flexible cystoscopy is carried out in a similar fashion. The urologist may use a local anesthetic gel to numb the urethra before the procedure. This will make the procedure more comfortable. After the procedure, a sterile bandage is often applied to the urethral opening. The patient may have some discomfort while peeing.
Urologists also perform cystoscopies to diagnose and treat urinary tract infections. These infections can be caused by a number of conditions. These include infections of the bladder, kidneys, and ureters.
Cystoscopy can also be used to diagnose and treat urinary incontinence. This condition can cause frequent urges to urinate. It can also cause recurrent urinary tract infections. If you have this condition, see your doctor as soon as you can.
Cystoscopy may also be used to diagnose urinary tract tumors. The urologist may use plasma vaporization to treat tumors in the bladder. Cystoscopy is also used to assess chronic cystitis. It is also used to evaluate obstructive micturition disorders.
Cystoscopy is usually a safe and comfortable procedure. It usually takes less than half an hour. Most people can return to normal activities after the test. It is a good idea to drink plenty of water after the test. The test may be uncomfortable, so it is a good idea to see your doctor if you are not feeling well.
Procedure
During cystoscopy, a special instrument is inserted into the bladder or urethra. This device is used to perform various procedures such as removing a tumor or collecting tissue samples for analysis.
Cystoscopy can be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is administered by injecting 2% novocaine into the urethra. The doctor may also give a sedative. This sedative may be given through an IV line or a vein in the arm.
If the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, the patient will not need to leave the office. After the procedure, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. Depending on the type of anesthesia, the patient may be in the recovery room for a few hours.
If the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, the patient may need to stay in the hospital overnight. This type of procedure can be uncomfortable and painful.
The patient may be asked to remove all jewelry and clothing. The doctor may also apply for a numbing medicine around the urethra. The patient may also have to take an antibiotic before the procedure.
After the procedure, the patient should drink plenty of water. A warm bath can help flush the irritants out of the bladder. The patient should also take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Depending on the type of cystoscopy, the patient may be able to go home. However, if the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, a caregiver will need to drive the patient home.
The doctor will ask the patient to complete a questionnaire. The patient will also have to take a urine test to check for infection. Symptoms of an infection include a fever over 100.5 degrees. The patient may experience chills and redness at the cystoscope insertion site.
The patient may have to be placed in stirrups. They may also need to lie on their backs. The procedure may take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. If the patient is having a rigid cystoscopy, the doctor may place a rigid instrument into the urethra.
The patient may experience delayed bleeding during the procedure. This can be a problem because it can damage the wall of bladder. The doctor may also take tissue samples for lab testing.
Recovery
During cystoscopy, a doctor will examine your bladder and urethra. They may also perform other procedures such as tissue samples. These samples will be sent to a lab for analysis. If there is evidence of a bladder tumor, a urologist will remove it. If there is no indication of the tumor, your doctor will talk to you about the next steps.
Patients should drink plenty of water after undergoing cystoscopy. This will help flush irritants out of the bladder. It is also important to get plenty of rest and avoid physical activity during recovery.
Patients may be given antibiotics before or after cystoscopy to prevent infection. These antibiotics are typically given to people with weakened immune systems. If you have a fever, chills, or other symptoms of generalized infection, contact your physician immediately.
The doctor will numb the area where the cystoscope will be inserted. He may also insert a video camera to project images on a video screen. He may also use a thicker, rigid scope to allow surgical tools to pass through.
If you are taking blood-clotting medicines or blood-thinning medicines, you must discontinue these before the procedure. You will also need to inform your healthcare provider if you have a bleeding disorder. The doctor may also ask you to give a urine sample before the procedure.
You should expect a recovery time of a couple of days. You should also avoid physical activities that may cause pain. You will need to have follow-up appointments with your doctor.
Patients who have general anesthesia may need to stay in the recovery room for several hours. If you are using a local anesthetic, you can go home right after the procedure. You may also be given a sedative to help you relax. This may be administered through a vein in your arm.
Recovery after cystoscopy may take a few days. Your doctor may ask you to take an over-the-counter pain reliever for the first few days. Taking warm baths or washcloths may help relieve the burning. Having someone drive you home is also recommended. You will also need to drink lots of water to flush out your bladder.
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U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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