How did you sew a Cystoscopy?

The bladder is a hollow organ that is located in the lower abdomen. Its main function is to storing urine from the kidneys to be later eliminated through the urethra. Internally, a healthy urinary tract appears pink and smooth, but some medical problems can change this appearance or cause bleeding. Other clinical conditions could narrow the urethra and consequently make it difficult to empty the urine. Also, some diseases of the bladder can cause changes in its size, shape, and position. One of the Complementary examinations most used in urology is cystoscopy. Cystoscopy is a procedure that allows visualization of the inside of the bladder and urethra. An optical system called a cystoscope is used for its practice. This consists of a tube with a camera at its end, connected to a video system, which allows images to be recorded, useful for monitoring more serious injuries or illnesses such as a. In addition to its use as an exploratory method, it also allows direct treatment of certain problems without the need for major surgery.

What is it done for?

Cystoscopy can be performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. It allows the study of symptoms such as: bladder bleeding, frequent urination, incontinence, pain, difficulty urinating. It can reach the diagnosis of: tumors, cysts, bladder inflammation, stones, narrowing of the urinary tract and polyps. As a surgical technique it allows solve certain urinary tract and bladder problems, without the need to open the abdomen, reducing risks and complications, and allowing a much faster recovery of the patient.

exist two types of cystoscopes: the rigid standard and the flexible one. The choice of one or the other depends on the purpose of the exam. Inside the tube there are several lights that allow fluid to be introduced to fill the bladder and wash and insert forceps to extract tissue samples, stones or tumors.

How is a cystoscopy performed?

The examination can be performed in the urology office. When associated with surgical techniques and general anesthesia is required, it is necessary to practice it in the operating room. The patient should be undressed and placed on the examination table. If the rigid cystoscope is used, the person should lie on the back with the knees bent and apart. When the flexible cystoscope is used it may be stretched out.

For the introduction of the cystoscope an ointment or petroleum jelly with a local anesthetic is applied to the urethra. Intravenous sedation is usually administered to induce a state of relaxation without actually putting the patient to sleep. Depending on the circumstances of the procedure, the responsible physician may indicate the application of general or epidural anesthesia. Water or physiological saline is introduced through the cystoscope until the bladder is filled to allow the doctor a better observation of its interior surface. Faced with the finding of any abnormal tissue, the urologist can decide take a sample or biopsy through the cystoscope.

The scan can last 15 to 60 minutes, depending on whether sampling, coagulation of bleeding points or the extraction of a mass, polyp or bladder stone are carried out.

What preparation does it require?

To perform a cystoscopy, the patient must be fasting since the night before. You should inform your doctor of any treatment you are undergoing. In some cases, the suspension of treatment during the previous days will be indicated, especially if you are taking treatment with anticoagulants, aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs.

It feels?

When saline is infused into the bladder, the patient may feel the urge to urinate; however, it must remain full until the study is completed. After performing the examination and after a few hours of surveillance, the patient can go home. For the next three days to cystoscopy you may have discomfort when urinatingVery frequent, feeling like you want to urinate or slight bleeding in the urine.

You will be asked to drink plenty of fluids to dilute the urine and reduce itching when urinating. A warm sitz bath may also be recommended to relieve urinary discomfort. If the symptoms are very intense, persist for more than 3 days when urinating, or present a significant fever or fever, it is advisable to consult a doctor to identify possible complications.

Do you have risks?

The complications are not common and showing up are not usually important. However, no medical procedure is without complications. Among the most common risks are urinary infection and bladder bleeding. Exceptionally, a bladder perforation may occur. The adverse reactions The use of anesthetics is not frequent, although the probability of their occurrence increases if there is a history of allergies or with the use of general anesthesia. Likewise, the patient must inform the doctor if they have a bleeding disorder (thrombocytopenia, hemophilia) that could increase the risk of bleeding.

The presence of a urinary tract infection could contraindicate exploration. The examination may be postponed or an antibiotic treatment may be indicated prior to the cystoscopy. There are no absolute contraindications, although taking biopsies should be considered in patients with bleeding disorders.