Diagnostic Tests

Cystoscopy or Bladder Scope Test

What Is a Cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a test to check the health of your urethra and bladder. You might also hear it called a cystourethroscopy or, more simply, a bladder scope.

It’s an outpatient test, which means you can get it at your doctor’s office, a hospital, or clinic and go home the same day. The doctor inserts a tube into your urethra. If you’re a man, the opening is at the end of your penis. If you’re a woman, it’s just above your vagina. The test lets your doctor check the complete length of your urethra and the bladder for polyps, narrow areas called strictures, abnormal growths, and other problems.

Why Do You Get a Cystoscopy?

This test can help your doctor: Check out symptoms like blood in your urine, overactive bladder, incontinence (leaking or peeing when you aren’t trying), or pain when you pee Find the cause of frequent urinary tract infections Diagnose bladder diseases like bladder cancer, bladder stones, and bladder inflammation (cystitis)

Treat conditions — the cystoscope can remove small tumors

Diagnose an enlarged prostate

How Does the Test Work?

Cystoscopes are tube-shaped tools. They have lights and cameras that let your doctor examine the interior of your urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopes: a standard rigid cystoscope and a flexible cystoscope. The choice of which scope to use depends on the purpose of the exam.

What to Expect During Cystoscopy

  • The procedure generally takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • You’ll need to pee first. The test is done with an empty bladder.
  • You’ll lie down. The position depends on the type of scope your doctor uses:
  • Standard rigid cystoscope. You’ll lie on your back with your knees up and apart. Your feet will probably be in stirrups.
  • Flexible cystoscope. No special position is needed. The doctor will help you find a comfortable position.
  • You’ll get medicine. You might get a drug to make you sleepy. The doctor will call this a sedative. Or you could get a general anesthetic to help you sleep through the entire procedure.
  • Your doctor inserts the scope. They’ll clean your urethra and numb the area. The scope goes through the urethra and into your bladder. They’ll use the smallest scope possible. They might need to use a bigger one to take samples or bring surgical tools into your bladder.
  • The doctor examines your urethra and bladder. The cystoscope has a lens on the end that works like a telescope. It makes it easier for the doctor to see inside your body. They might put a video camera over the lens to project images onto a screen.
  • The doctor fills your bladder. They put water or saline in through the cystoscope. When your bladder is full of water, it stretches. This lets the doctor see your entire bladder wall. They’ll ask you how it feels when it’s full.
  • The doctor takes tissue samples. If an area looks abnormal, the doctor will use the cystoscope to cut a small piece that they can send to the lab for analysis. They’ll call this a biopsy or tissue sample.

Is a Cystoscopy Painful?

You may feel discomfort when the cystoscope goes into the urethra and bladder. You’ll probably feel a strong need to pee when your bladder gets full. You may feel a slight pinch if the doctor takes a biopsy.

  • After the procedure, your urethra may be sore and it might burn when you pee for a day or two.
  • What Are the Complications of Cystoscopy?
  • The risks of having a cystoscopy include:
  • Infection
  • Bleeding from biopsy area — it will show up in your pee
  • Bladder wall rupture
  • Hyponatremia — a change to the natural balance of sodium in your body
  • Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following after the cystoscopy:
  • Severe pain where the scope went in
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Peeing less than usual

Uroflowmetry

What is uroflowmetry?

Doctors use uroflowmetry to test the amount of urine voided during urination. It also measures the speed of urination. The test is called a uroflow test. It can help your doctor identify the causes of certain urinary difficulties.

Why is a uroflow test done?

Your doctor may recommend a uroflow test if you have slow urination, a weak urine stream, or difficulty urinating. They may also use it to test your sphincter muscle. The sphincter muscle is a circular muscle that closes tightly around the bladder opening. It helps to prevent urine leakage.

Results from the test can help your doctor determine how well your bladder and sphincter are functioning. The test can also be used to test for obstructions in the normal flow of urine. By measuring the average and maximum rates of your urine flow, the test can estimate the severity of any blockage or obstruction. It can also help identify other urinary problems, such as a weakened bladder or an enlarged prostate.

Certain conditions can affect your normal urine flow. These conditions include:  

  • benign prostatic hypertrophy, or enlargement of the prostate gland, which can block the urethra completely
  • bladder cancer
  • prostate cancer
  • a urinary blockage
  • neurogenic bladder dysfunction, or trouble with the bladder due to a nervous system problem such as spinal cord tumor or injury
Preparing for a uroflow test

You’ll need to give a urine sample. It may seem awkward or uncomfortable, but you shouldn’t experience any physical discomfort during the test.

Be sure to arrive at your doctor’s office with a full bladder. You should drink plenty of liquids to make sure you have enough urine for the test.

Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or think you may be. You should also tell your doctor about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and any supplements you’re taking. Certain medications can interfere with bladder function.

Chat With Us.
#
Agent (Online)
×

We are here to help. Chat with us on WhatsApp for any queries.