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Cystoscopy is a procedure performed with local anesthesia, using a small telescope to look inside the urethra and bladder to help diagnose problems with the urinary tract.
Indications
CT scans provide more detail than plain X-rays and have largely replaced them for the imaging of certain structures. Indications may include:
- Hematuria
- Bladder outlet obstruction
- Removal of ureteral stent
- Recurrent infection
- Screening for bladder tumors
- Incontinence
Procedure
The patient lies on an exam table on his or her back, and the opening of the urethra is cleaned and local anesthetic given. A cystoscope is then placed into the urethra and bladder, allowing the doctor to examine the inner lining of the urethra and the bladder. Depending on the reason for the procedure, a small sample of tissue may be obtained, measurements taken, or ureteral stent removed.
Side Effects
Most patients will experience some slight burning with urination or pass a small amount of blood for the first 24 hours after the procedure. If the burning persists longer than this, bleeding becomes heavy, or a patient experiences passage of clots, fever over 101°, or is unable to urinate, he or she should contact us.
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