CYSTOSCOPY

General Information

DEFINITION--Visual examination of the lower urinary tract and collection of a urine sample from the bladder. The examination is performed with a cystoscope, an optic instrument with a lighted tip.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Urethra; bladder; openings into the bladder.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Blood in the urine (hematuria).
• Inability to control urination (incontinence).
• Urinary-tract infection.
• Congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract.
• Tumors of the bladder.
• Bladder or kidney stones.
• Tightening of the urethra or the ureters.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Urologist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital, doctor's office or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of kidneys, ureters (See Glossary) and bladder.
• During surgery: Retrograde pyelograms (See Glossary).
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA--Spinal anesthesia (sometimes) by injection or injected general anesthesia.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• The patient urinates before surgery so that urine remaining in the bladder can be measured.
• The cystoscope is lubricated and inserted through the urethra into the bladder. A urine sample is collected.
• Fluid is pumped through the cystoscope to inflate the bladder, which allows visual examination of the entire bladder wall.
• Bladder or kidney stones are removed, if necessary. Tissue samples are gathered and lesions are treated, if necessary.
• Catheters are passed through the cystoscope and guided to the openings into the ureters. A harmless dye is injected through the catheters into the ureters to perform x-ray studies.
• The cystoscope is removed.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Damage to the urethra.
• Perforation of bladder.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Injury to the penis.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 3 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Examination completed and urine sample collected successfully in virtually all cases. Allow about 4 days for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES---Take warm baths for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day to relieve discomfort.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 2 weeks after surgery.
• Resume sexual relations when your doctor determines that healing is complete.
• Resume driving 2 days after returning home.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience nausea or vomiting.
• You have painful or difficult urination.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.