Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy (urethrocystoscopy) is a minimally invasive procedure (no incision in the skin for the insertion of an optical instrument) used to examine the internal parts of the urinary system, especially the bladder and urethra. During this procedure, the urologist introduces an optical instrument - a cystoscope - which has a small camera and a light source on it through the opening of the urethra and is slowly pushed towards the bladder. The camera allows the doctor to examine the internal walls of the bladder and urethra in detail to search for abnormalities and pathological changes, i.e. it serves to diagnose, monitor and treat diseases and disorders of the urinary system in women and men.
When is cystoscopy (urethrocystoscopy) necessary?
Cystoscopy (urethrocystoscopy) is usually recommended when there are symptoms or suspicions of problems and disorders in the urinary system, such as:
- pain when urinating
- difficulty urinating
- burning before, during and/or after urination
- blood in the urine
- frequent urinary tract infections
- overactive bladder
- unexplained pain in the bladder area
- urinary incontinence
- benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
In addition to diagnosing disorders in the urinary system, cystoscopy can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of certain therapies or surgical procedures on the urinary system, as well as to treat certain urological problems such as narrowing of the urethra, removal of stones from the bladder or urethra, for direct administration of medication into the bladder etc.
