When your doctor tells you that you need to have a test where a camera is inserted to look inside your bladder, you might feel a little scared and nervous, right? Some people also call this a 'Bladder Scope'. When they hear this, many people think that this must be very painful. But it's actually not that scary. Today, we'll talk about what really happens in this, whether it hurts, and whether you should be afraid.
What exactly is cystoscopy?
Simply put, a cystoscopy is a special test that looks inside your urethra and bladder. In this, the doctor uses a special instrument called a cystoscope . Think of it like a thin, long tube. It has a very small camera and a light at one end. The images from this camera can be viewed magnified by the doctor on a monitor.
This device is inserted very carefully through your urethra into your bladder.
- If it's a man, it's inserted through the urethra at the tip of the penis.
- For a woman, this is inserted through the urethral opening, which is located slightly above the vaginal opening.
This allows the doctor to see the inside of the bladder very clearly. This allows him to accurately detect any abnormal growths (polyps), narrowing of the urinary tract (strictures), or any other problems.
Why would a doctor tell you to do this test?
Now let's see why a doctor would recommend you to have this test. There could be several reasons for this. The table below will help you understand it clearly.
| Reason for testing | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| To find the cause of symptoms | If you have blood in your urine, incontinence, or pain or burning when urinating, this can help determine the exact cause. |
| Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) | Some people get frequent urinary tract infections. This test is done to see if there is an underlying cause for why this is happening. |
| To diagnose bladder diseases | This is essential to check for diseases such as bladder cancer, bladder stones, and cystitis. |
| For treatment | Sometimes, small surgical instruments can be inserted through this device to remove small tumors in the bladder. |
| To check the prostate (men) | This test is also important to diagnose an enlarged prostate, which can cause difficulty urinating. |
How the test is done - let's see step by step
This test usually only takes 15 to 20 minutes. Since this is an outpatient test, you can go home the same day.
Before the test
You will first be asked to urinate and empty your bladder. After that, you will need to remove any clothing and jewelry that might interfere with the test, and put on a special gown provided by the hospital.
During the test
1. Position: You will be made to lie down on an examination table. You will usually be asked to bend your knees and keep them at your sides.
2. Anesthesia: Don't worry, the doctor will do everything he can to make you feel no pain. A numbing gel will be applied to the area around the urethra. This will make the insertion of the device much less uncomfortable. In some cases, you may be given a sedative to help you sleep, or you may be given general anesthesia if necessary.
3. Inserting the instrument: Next, the doctor will carefully guide the cystoscope instrument along the urethra and into the bladder.
4. Bladder filling: Because the inner walls of the bladder are very tight, it is difficult to see clearly. Therefore, a small amount of sterile saline water is filled into the bladder through this device. The bladder then swells, the walls stretch, and the inside is clearly visible. It is normal for you to feel the urge to urinate at this time.
5. Taking a tissue sample (Biopsy): If during the examination, something unusual is seen, such as a tumor, a small piece of tissue can be taken for testing. This is called a biopsy . This is how we can know for sure whether it is a cancer cell or not.
When the examination is finished, the doctor carefully removes the device.
What happens after the test?
You can continue to live normally after the test. However, if you were given sedation, you will need to stay in the hospital for a while until the effects of the sedation wear off.
It is normal to feel a little burning, stinging, and a little pink blood in your urine for a day or two after the test. Don't worry about that.
Do these things to heal quickly
- Drink plenty of water: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. This will flush the bladder well, reduce the risk of infection, and also help the blood to disappear quickly.
- Painkillers: If you are in pain, you can ask your doctor to take a medicine like Paracetamol.
- Warm water soaks: For discomfort around the urethra, soaking a clean cloth in warm water and soaking the area can provide relief. It is also good to sit in a basin of warm water for a while.
When you need to call the doctor immediately!
Complications from this test are very rare. However, it is important to be aware of them. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should talk to your doctor without delay.
- Severe, unbearable pain .
- Fever and feeling cold and shivering .
- Inability to urinate for hours.
- Dark red blood or blood clots in the urine.
In such a situation, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. If necessary, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Cystoscopy is not a test to be afraid of. It is a very important and common test to diagnose diseases of the bladder and urinary tract.
- Numbing medication is given to minimize pain during the test.
- It is normal to feel a little uncomfortable for a day or two after the test. Drink plenty of water and rest.
- If you experience symptoms such as severe pain, fever, inability to urinate, or heavy bleeding, see your doctor immediately.
- If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
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