Cystoscopy is the procedure of examining the bladder

Why is it necessary

Cystoscopy is essential for the diagnosis of a number of bladder conditions, including infections, polyps, cancers and bladder stones.

Cystoscopy also allows fine catheters to be passed up the tubes (ureters) leading to the kidneys so that a substance opaque to x-rays can be injected and analysed (retrograde urography).

Cystoscopy also allows biopsies (small samples of tissue) to be taken, and local treatment to be given by hot wire cautery, lasers and other means.

How is it performed

Cystoscopy is done using an optical instrument called a cystoscope. This is passed in through the tube where urine leaves the body (the urethra). In the male, a general anaesthetic is usually needed. In the female, the urethra is very short and cystoscopy can be performed with a local anaesthetic, although many women prefer a general anaesthetic.

In examining the bladder, the doctor fills it with sterile water from the cystoscope. As this is done, the folds of the collapsed bladder are seen to flatten and smooth out and the inside of the wall can be inspected. The optical inspection port at the end of the instrument is at an angle, so by rotating the cystoscope the doctor can examine almost the whole of the inside of the bladder.