A cystoscopy is a test that is performed to examine the insides of a patient's bladder. The test may be recommended to determine the cause of certain kinds of urinary disorders like a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, incontinence and painful urination, among others. The test normally takes up to thirty minutes and is performed with the help of a cystoscope. A cystoscope is a thin, lighted instrument with a camera on one end, that helps your doctor inspect the insides of your bladder during a cystoscopy. This is important because the cystoscope helps the doctor study parts of the bladder and urethra that are not visible in an X-ray. In addition, the doctor will be able to collect urine samples and tissue samples for a biopsy with the help of a cystoscope. The cystoscopy is a safe test but may require a certain amount of preparation. Firstly, the test is done under an anesthetic, local, general or spinal. The nature of anesthetic will determine the nature of preparation you undertake. If you are given a general anesthetic for instance, you may require some assistance with going home after the test. In addition, several patients experience a range of side effects after a cystoscopy that are normal and generally subside on their own. One of the most common side effects of a cystoscopy is a urinary tract infection. Normally, patients will have to empty their bladder before the test. A urinary tract infection is a normal consequence of a cystoscopy, although your doctor may be able to prevent an infection with the help of medication administered before the test.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may manifest as painful urination, frequent urination, bleeding and blood clots in the urine. Your doctor may be able to alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infection by inserting a catheter to help the urine drain from the bladder. The catheter may also help alleviate symptoms of a swollen urethra, which may also give rise to painful urination and bleeding. In some rare cases, the infection in the urinary tract may spread to the rest of the body. If you have been experiencing these symptoms for some time and they are unresponsive to treatment, then you should contact your doctor immediately. If these symptoms are accompanied by symptoms like chills, fever and a severe pain in the abdomen or flanks, then you may have a kidney infection and you should seek medical advice immediately.
Submitted by M T on April 1, 2010 at 04:46