(sis-TOS-ko-pe)
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To visualize the inner lining of the urinary tract for signs of blockage, narrowing, stones, growths, polyps, and tumors. |
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To evaluate the cause of frequent urinary tract infections, blood in the urine (hematuria), loss of bladder control (incontinence), painful urination, and prostatic disorders. |
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To perform procedures such as stone removal and biopsy of tissues for microscopic examination. |
A sedative is given an hour before the procedure. If biopsies or stone removal are planned, the patient will require general anesthesia.
After the pubic area is cleansed with antiseptic, a local anesthetic is injected into the urethra.
Then the cystoscope, a metallic tube with telescopic lenses, fiberoptic lighting, and a camera at its tip, is gently introduced into the external urethral orifice and slowly guided into the urinary bladder.
Images are projected to a video monitor for evaluation and pictures are taken.
This is a cystoscopic view of the internal urethral orifice seen from the lumen of the urinary bladder:
Used with permission