Flexible Cystoscopy - Urology Clinic in Selangor Malaysia

Flexible cystoscopy

Flexible cystoscopy is an examination of the interior of the bladder with a fine, soft tube with a telescopic camera called a flexible cystoscope. Due to the soft nature of the tube and because it does not use a traditional rigid cystoscopy, it allows the procedure to be carried out comfortably with minimal discomfort under local rather than general anesthetic.

The Procedure

The flexible cystoscopy procedure is relatively painless.

A cystoscope (a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. Fluid is used to fill the bladder. The doctor looks at an image of the inner wall of the bladder on a computer monitor.

Your doctor may order a cystoscopy to investigate the cause of urethra and bladder issues, such as urgent or frequent urination, blood in the urine, suspicion of bladder cancer or frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Cystoscopy is usually done for the following reasons:

determine the cause of bladder issues, such as:

an urgent or frequent need to urinate
urine retention
urine leakage
recurrent UTIs
check for bladder stones
check for narrowing of the urethra
check for abnormal growths, such as polyps and tumors
remove small growths or tumors
take a cell or tissue biopsy for further investigation
check for recurrence of previously treated tumors
as surveillance of bladder cancers during follow up

Before the procedure

It is not necessary to fast before this procedure.

You will be advised to undress, put on a medical gown, and lie on an examination table.

During the procedure

The doctor applies an anesthetic gel around the cystoscope or urethra to reduce discomfort. Then the cystoscope is gently inserted into the urethra.

Your doctor will fill the bladder with a saline solution. This helps make the walls of the bladder more visible. As the bladder fills, the person usually experiences and urge to urinate, possibly with some discomfort.

Using the camera on the cystoscope, the doctor will visually examine the bladder, and he may take a urine sample or a small tissue.

After the examination, the doctor will gently remove the cystoscope.

The procedure is relatively quick, and most people can return to their usual activities on the same day. However, people who require a sedative may take slightly longer to recover.

A person can expect to experience some temporary discomfort following a cystoscopy, and they may see blood in their urine.

If the discomfort or any accompanying issues cause concern, notify the doctor. A cystoscopy can cause complications that require medical attention.