Does having a cystoscopy procedure hurt a lot?

A cystoscopy is a procedure that is used to examine the insides of the urethra and bladder. The urine passes from the bladder into the urethra, from where it is eliminated out of the body. An instrument called a cystoscope is used to examine the interiors of the urethra and bladder.

The urethra is a thin long instrument that has a light and a small lens at one end and an eyepiece at the other end. The doctor inserts the end with the lens and light into the bladder. The lens magnifies the inside of the urethra and bladder, thereby enabling the doctor to detect any abnormalities. In some cases, cystoscopes with additional channels are used so that other instruments may also be inserted in order to diagnose or treat urinary problems.

Several urinary problems may be detected through a cystoscopy. These include conditions such as recurring urinary tract infections, hematuria or presence of blood in the urine, increased urges to urinate, presence of abnormal cells in the urine sample, pain while urinating, persisting pelvic pain and painful bladder syndrome. Urinary obstruction caused by narrowing of the urinary tract or prostate swelling, kidney stones or bladder stones, tumors, polyps, abnormal growths or cancer may also be detected through a cystoscopy.

A cystoscopy is a relatively safe procedure, with a very small possibility of complications. The risks associated with it are the same as those in case of any surgical procedure. These include bleeding, infection and complications arising from the anesthesia. Antibiotics are usually administered before the procedure to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. This procedure generally tends to be more painful in case of men. This is because the urethra is longer and narrower in men. The discomfort may be alleviated by relaxing the pelvic muscles during the insertion of the cystoscope. Also, after the cystoscope has been inserted, sterile water is passed into the bladder in order to stretch it and enable the doctor to get a better look at the inside walls.

Some individuals may experience discomfort as the bladder becomes fuller and the urge to urinate may increase. After the procedure, some individuals also report experiencing a slight burning sensation during urination. There may also be some blood present in the urine. Others may have abdominal pain due to spasms of the bladder. These symptoms of pain and discomfort may be alleviated by drinking up to a liter of water over two hours. A warm bath will also help to ease the burning sensation as will placing a damp warm cloth over the opening of the urethra.

Submitted by M T on May 8, 2013 at 01:38

What are the side effects of cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a common test that is conducted by doctors for various kinds of urological conditions. The test could be conducted to determine the reason for blood being present in a person's urine as also to help in the evaluation of a bladder syndrome known as interstitial cystitis. A cystoscopy is also conducted when a biopsy is being performed on a patient suffering from cancer of the bladder. Doctors even perform a cystoscopy on patients suffering from bladder infections that are frequently recurrent in nature and on those suffering from stones in the bladder. Patients who suffer from vesicoureteral reflux also have a cystoscopy done to help in determining the nature of the problem.

Complications occurring because of a cystoscopy procedure being conducted are usually rare. Some of the main cystoscopy side effects include bleeding and infection. At times there may even be some damage caused to the walls of the bladder because of the cystoscope. The chances of side effects of cystoscopy occurring may be higher in the case of patients suffering from diabetes or bleeding disorders. Post a cystoscopy, the patient should immediately notify their medical practitioner in case of any other signs of infection occurring. Cystoscopy side effects during pregnancy are usually quite rare.

Submitted by N on February 22, 2012 at 10:31

What are the complications of cystoscopy?

Normally a cystoscopy is found to be a relatively safe procedure. However, like with any kind of surgical procedure, there will always be some risks of bleeding, infection and even certain complications arising from the use of anesthesia. One of the main complications of cystoscopy is the possibility of a tear or a perforation developing anywhere in the bladder, urethra or even the ureter. The complications of cystoscopy for men will occur in the form of swelling developing in the man's testicles or the male patient experiencing pain as a result of the extensive procedure. This condition is also referred to as epididymitis. However this particular complication of cystoscopy is quite rare.

Some of the other complications linked with a cystoscopy procedure include the creation of scar tissue. In the case of some patients, especially males, a further cystoscopic procedure is required to eliminate this scar tissue. At times cystoscopy may result in swelling which can lead to an obstruction in the proper flow of one's urine. Bladder distention problems may also occur. The complications of flexible cystoscopy thus include infection, internal bleeding and also urine retention. It is essential that a person recovering from a cystoscopy drink plenty of water and get adequate rest.

Submitted by N on February 13, 2012 at 03:06

What are the risks of cystoscopy?

Cystoscopy is also known as cystourethroscopy and is a procedure that involves the use of a cystoscope. This device is designed specifically to aid a medical practitioner for urological purposes like examining a patient's prostrate gland or urinary tract or bladder. One can also make use of it to perform a biopsy on a patient. The risks of cystoscopy would be the same as with any other kind of surgery. However some of the specific risks of cystoscopy procedure may include damage to the patient's urethra, infection in the urinary tract, and injury to a patient's penis.

Some of the other risks of cystoscopy tests include heavy bleeding and perforation or tear in the bladder wall. Post a cystoscopy; the patient should immediately notify their doctor in the event of them experiencing symptoms that include muscle aches, dizzy spells, headaches, vomiting and difficulty in passing urine. At certain times there may be certain risk associated with the anesthesia being administered to patients who may be in poor health or suffering from diabetes or may be heavy smokers. Post a cystoscopy it is essential that the patient get adequate rest, drink plenty of water and take plenty of warm baths which help in relieving the pain.

Submitted by N on February 7, 2012 at 12:52