A cystoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bladder and urethra. Your urologist proposes a cystoscopy to investigate the cause of blood in urine, incontinence, painful urination and overactive bladder. The procedure also helps in determining the cause of frequent urinary tract infections, bladder diseases like cancer, stones and inflammation.

Urologists also use cystoscopy as a procedure to treat certain disease conditions. By passing special tools through the cystoscope, very small bladder tumours can be removed during the process.

Cystoscopy can also help in determining an enlarged prostate. The procedure can reveal a narrowing of the urethra at the point where it passes through the prostate gland.

 

Preparing For Cystoscopy

If your urologist has prescribed a cystoscopy procedure, here is how you must prepare for the procedure-

• Take the prescribed antibiotics before and after the cystoscopy procedure to ward off infections.
• Although you need to empty your bladder prior to the cystoscopy procedure, you should wait till you get to your appointment before doing it. Your urologist might suggest a last minute urine test just before the procedure, which will need a urine sample.
• In some cases, you will receive an intravenous sedative or anaesthetic during your cystoscopy. If so, make plans for your recovery time. Ask your friends or family to drive you back home.

 

Cystoscopy Procedure

The cystoscopy procedure itself is a short one taking 5 to 15 minutes. However, if you are put under general anaesthesia, the complete procedure will take about 15 to 30 seconds.

 

The procedure is as follows –

 

• First, you will be asked to empty your bladder. Following that, you will have to lie down on a table on your back. You will be positioned with your feet in stirrups with your knees bent over.
• You will be either put under a general anaesthetic or a sedative. This is administered through intravenously.
• The doctor will then insert the cystoscope through your urethra. Once he makes sure that you are not under any pain, he will carefully push the cystoscope into your urethra. For most procedures, the urologist uses the smallest cystoscopy possible. But in case he needs a tissue sample or needs to remove a tumour, small surgical tools are passed into the bladder.
• Your bladder will be filled with a sterile liquid for better visibility. Using the special camera at the tip of the cystoscope, the urologist will be able to see the inside of your bladder.
• The tissue sample collected will be sent for lab testing including a biopsy.

 

Recovery After The Procedure

As cystoscopy is an uncomplicated procedure, you will be allowed to resume your daily routines after the procedure. However, if you were under the general sedation or anaesthesia, you will be asked to wait at the recovery area for the effects of the medication to wear off.

 

You will be experiencing some side effects of the cystoscopy, like slight bleeding from your urethra, a burning sensation while urinating as well as frequent urination post-procedure. Bry drinking a lot of water and holding a warm moist towel to the opening of your urethra, you will be able to relieve some of the pain. Make sure to take your antibiotics as prescribed by your urologist in Dubai to keep away infections.

Urologists in Dubai suggest cystoscopy as it is a recommended and safe procedure for fast diagnosis and treatment of bladder-related urology issues.