Why is Cystoscopy Done?
Cystoscopy is done to diagnose, monitor, or treat the conditions affecting the urinary bladder and the urethra. The doctor may recommend cystoscopy for the following reasons:
- To investigate causes of signs and symptoms including blood in urine, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, overactive bladder and dysuria (painful urination). Cystoscopy can also help to determine the causes of frequent UTIs. Cystoscopy is not generally done while the patient has an active UTI.
- To diagnose diseases and conditions in the bladder like bladder cancer, bladder stones and cystitis bladder inflammation.
- To treat diseases and conditions of the bladder. For this, special tools can be passed through the cystoscope, during the process of cystoscopy.
- Cystoscopy is carried out to diagnose enlarged prostate. The procedure can show narrowing of the urethra where it passes through the prostate gland, showing an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The doctor may also conduct a second procedure called ureteroscopy along with cystoscopy. During a ureteroscopy, a small scope is used to examine the tubes carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder or ureters.A cystoscopy can also reveal conditions such as tumors or stones in the bladder, or bladder cancer. The doctor can also use a cystoscopy procedure to diagnose the following:
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Non-cancerous tumors or growth
- Problems with the ureter
What Happens after a Cystoscopy?
After a cystoscopy, the patient may be advised to stay in the hospital for observation in case sedation or general anesthesia is used. Once the patient’s heart rate and pulse,blood pressure and breathing is stable, he can go home. Cystoscopy is mostly done as an outpatient procedure.The patient can go back to resume his regular diet and activities after the procedure. The patient is encouraged to drink a lot of fluids as it will dilute the urine and reduce urinary discomforts like burning sensation while passing urine. A sitz bath or warm tub bath is helpful in easing the symptoms of urinary discomfort.The patient may also notice blood in urine after cystoscopy. This is normal and usually clears up in a day or two. Pain reliever can help ease soreness or discomfort. Medications such as aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding. So, apart from the ones prescribed by the doctor, do not take any medication without consulting. Patients are generally given antibiotics after the procedure to help prevent infection.
Recovering after a Cystoscopy
The patient is advised to rest for a day to recover after a cystoscopy. Drink a lot of water and other healthy fluids and rest in a place close to the bathroom as you may need to urinate quite often. The doctor advises to hold a damp or warm washcloth over the urethra to relieve any pain. The doctor strictly advises not to drink alcohol, drive, or indulge in any strenuous physical activities for 1-2 days. If undergone a biopsy, the patient will need time to heal. The patient needs to avoid lifting heavy weights for about 2 weeks.