Cystoscopy

What is a cystoscopy?

The word cystoscopy is derived from "cyst," the Greek word for bladder, and "scopy," another Greek word that means to examine with an instrument. The team at Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists uses a cystoscopy to examine the inside of your bladder for signs of abnormal growths, infection, scar tissue or obstruction.

A cystoscope is a long, slender tube with a light and a camera mounted on its tip. Your urologist inserts the cystoscope through your urethra and into your bladder, and the camera sends images to a video screen in the treatment room, which allow you to watch the procedure along with your surgeon.

Why would I need a cystoscopy?

The urologists at Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists order a cystoscopy when you have symptoms of a bladder problem and they need more information for their diagnosis. For example, if you have hematuria — blood in your urine — or symptoms of an overactive or obstructed bladder, your doctor uses a cystoscopy to examine your bladder and confirm what condition is causing your symptoms.

The team sometimes uses a cystoscopy to diagnose an enlarged prostate if the procedure shows that your urethra narrows where it passes through your prostate.

The urologists can also treat some bladder conditions with a cystoscopy. If you have a small tumor, they can use special tools to remove abnormal growths. They also inject medications, such as Botox®, through the camera.

What happens during a cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy usually takes only around 15 minutes. Before your cystoscopy, you empty your bladder and you may need to provide a urine sample.

During your procedure, you recline on a treatment table. You will be cleaned and prepped for your procedure. Your urologist then inserts the smallest possible cystoscope through your urethra and into your bladder.

They fill your bladder with a sterile solution that expands the organ so your doctor can see it more clearly. If your doctor finds signs of any abnormality, they may take tissue samples for further testing.

You can usually get right back to your regular activities after a cystoscopy.

To learn more about a cystoscopy, watch our short YouTube video.

Call Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists or make an appointment online today.