Let's learn about cystoscopy, a test that involves inserting a camera into the bladder?

Do you also experience pain or burning when urinating? Or do you have a problem like blood in your urine? Sometimes, the doctor may say that he needs to insert a small camera and look inside the bladder to find out the exact cause of this. Many people are a little scared when they hear this. But this is actually a very important test. Today we are talking about this Cystoscopy test.

Simply put, what is Cystoscopy?

Cystoscopy is a special test to look inside your bladder and the tube that carries urine, called the urethra. This uses a small instrument called a cystoscope . Think of it like a thin tube with a small light and camera on one end.

This test is usually performed by a urologist. This camera allows you to see the inside of your bladder and urethra very clearly. This can help you find out exactly what is causing your symptoms.

What are the reasons for having a cystoscopy?

A doctor recommends this test for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is used to accurately diagnose a disease, and sometimes it is used for treatment.

You can get a clearer idea about this from the table below.

How does this test work?

There are two main types of cystoscopes used in this procedure. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate type based on your condition.

1. Flexible Cystoscope

This is a very thin, flexible tube. It's usually used in a test to diagnose a disease. It can be done while you're awake, with a numbing gel applied to your urethra.

2. Rigid Cystoscope

This is a straight tube that cannot be bent. It is usually used when you need to take a piece of tissue (biopsy) or remove a small tumor or stone. When using this type, you are usually put under sedation or general anesthesia.

How should you prepare before the test?

This doesn't require much preparation, but it is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

• Urine sample: You will be asked to provide a urine sample on the day of the test. This is to check for a urinary tract infection. If you have an infection, it will need to be treated before the test.
• Fasting: If you are given general anesthesia, you will be asked to fast for about 8 hours before the test.
• Medication Awareness: Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially blood thinners . Do not stop taking any medication without your doctor's advice.
• Someone to drive you home: If you are sedated, it is essential that you bring someone to drive you home after the test.

What should I expect during the test? Will it hurt?

The biggest question for many people is whether it will hurt. In fact, you can do whatever you want to avoid feeling pain . A gel is applied to numb the urethra, so it doesn't hurt much. You may feel a little discomfort, like you need to urinate.

The steps involved in the test are simply as follows:

1. First, you will be asked to urinate and empty your bladder.

2. Then you will be made to lie down on a bed, the area around your urethra will be cleaned, and a numbing gel will be applied.

3. The doctor carefully inserts the cystoscope instrument along the urethra and into the bladder.

4. To better visualize the inside walls of the bladder, a small amount of sterile salt water will be filled into it. You may feel a slight sensation of heaviness in your urine. This is normal.

5. Now the doctor will carefully examine the inside of the bladder and urethra with the camera.

6. If necessary, a small instrument that goes right through the device can be used to take a piece of tissue (biopsy) or remove something like a small stone.

7. Finally, the water filled in the bladder is taken out and the device is removed.

The entire process usually only takes 5 to 10 minutes . It may take a little longer if a biopsy is being done.

What happens after the test? Will I recover quickly?

Most of the time, you can go home the same day as the test. You may experience some discomfort for a day or two. Don't worry about that.

• You may feel a slight burning or pain when urinating.
• There may be a little pink blood in the urine.
• You may feel like you need to urinate frequently.

You can do the following to reduce these inconveniences:

• Drink plenty of water: Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help cleanse the bladder and reduce discomfort quickly.
• Hot compress: Place a cloth dampened with hot water over the area where the urine comes out. Or sit in a basin of hot water for a while.
• Painkillers: You can ask your doctor for a simple painkiller like paracetamol.

These discomforts usually disappear completely within a day or two .

Are there any risks in this?

Cystoscopy is a relatively safe procedure, but as with any medical procedure, there are some very small risks.

• Infection (UTI): Symptoms may include fever, chills, and foul-smelling urine.
• Bladder spasms: Urinary incontinence may occur with abdominal pain.
• Damage to the bladder or urethra: This happens very rarely.

If something like this happens, the doctor will provide the necessary treatment.

When will the test results be known?

Since the doctor can see the condition of your bladder during the test, he or she can tell you the results right away. You may also be asked to come to the clinic on a different day.

However, if a piece of tissue was taken and sent for examination (biopsy), it may take about a week or two for the report to arrive. The doctor will explain this to you.

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