Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy, also called urethrocystoscopy or cystourethroscopy, detects structural abnormalities, inflammation of the bladder wall, or masses that might not show up on x-ray.

• The patient is given a light anesthetic, and the bladder is filled with water.
• My patient may choose to have general anesthesia
• Next, a thin flexible tube called a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder.
• The end of the cystoscope contains a tiny microscope-like instrument.
• Dr. Shusterman uses the cystoscope to look for abnormalities in the interior of the bladder.

Cystoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible fiber optic scope, which is inserted through the urethra into the urinary bladder. The doctor fills the bladder with water and inspects the interior of the bladder. The image seen through the cystoscope may also be viewed on a color monitor and recorded on videotape for later evaluation.

The procedure has some risks. Complications are very uncommon, but can include allergic response to the anesthetic, urinary tract infection, bleeding, and urine retention.