Cystoscopy
But let's start by understanding the terms. If you've ever dealt with urological problems, you've probably heard of this diagnostic method.
Cystoscopy in urology is as fundamental an examination as an ECG for a cardiologist. However, unlike an ECG, it is a rather painful procedure. Those who have experienced these sensations without anesthesia will remember them forever and are unlikely to agree to repeat them =(
At the Dilanyan Clinic, we prioritize patient comfort and perform painful procedures like cystoscopy under sedation. Patients easily fall asleep and quickly wake up after the procedure, experiencing minimal discomfort if any at all.
What is cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy is an invasive examination of the bladder using a special instrument called a rigid cystoscope. The cystoscope is a thin tube with an optical system mounted on it. The device is inserted through the urethra, the bladder is filled with liquid, and the doctor thoroughly examines the walls of the bladder, the openings of the ureters, and the urethra.
Depending on the pathology detected, cystoscopy can transition from a diagnostic procedure to a therapeutic one. The urologist may remove bladder stones with special forceps, extract polyps, or take tissue biopsies.
It's important not to confuse cystoscopy with fibrocystoscopy, as they are different procedures. You can read about what fibrocystoscopy is here.
During the examination, we not only obtain high-quality digital images but also conduct photography. Based on these images, the doctor will explain the patient's problem in understandable terms and track the treatment dynamics during follow-up visits.
When does a urologist prescribe cystoscopy?
This diagnostic method comes to the rescue when simple non-invasive examinations are insufficient. Some urological problems can be identified based on urine and blood analysis, ultrasound of the urinary system, CT or MRI data. Sometimes, this information is insufficient, and a visual inspection of the bladder is required. For example, if an ultrasound reveals some formation on the bladder wall, blood appears in the urine, or the nature of prolonged inflammation cannot be determined.
- Pain in the lower abdomen or pain during urination as part of comprehensive diagnostics
- Need to perform a biopsy of the bladder
- Diagnosis of interstitial cystitis
- Tumors or suspicion of bladder or urethral cancer
- Polypsof the urinary tract
- Chronic cystitis
- Urinary incontinenceor overactive bladder
- Bladder stones
How to prepare for the examination?
Since cystoscopy is performed under sedation (short-term medicated sleep), you should refrain from eating for 6 hours before the procedure. Perform your usual hygiene routine and don't worry about anything.
However, when a urologist prescribes this examination, they will explain everything in detail and answer any questions you may have.
For out-of-town patients:
If you are from another city but want to undergo cystoscopy at the Clinical Center of Dilanyan, we will schedule your hospitalization and perform the procedure, and you can return home in the evening. You will receive the results of the examination (conclusion and photographs) electronically or in printed form.
If you are from another city but want to undergo cystoscopy at the Dilanyan Clinic,
we will schedule your hospitalization and perform the procedure, and you can return home in the evening. You will receive the results of the examination (conclusion and photographs) electronically or in printed form.
What sensations to expect after the procedure?
After cystoscopy, you may experience slight discomfort in the lower abdomen, false urges, and burning during urination for the first few days after the procedure. The mucous membrane of the urethra is very delicate, and although cystoscopy does not cause damage, it still reacts to such intervention with minor irritation.
These sensations are quite mild, do not require any pain relief, and will pass on their own within a few hours.
The advantage of the Dilanyan Clinical Center
lies in the expertise of its Chief Physician, Oganes Eduardovich Dilanyan, who specializes as a urologist-oncologist surgeon. It is precisely because of his specialization that he is responsible for the quality of urological care at the Center, which bears his name.
The Dilyanyan Clinical Centerboasts excellent technical equipment.
We perform rigid cystoscopy using Swiss Karl Storz cystoscopes—medical equipment of unparalleled quality!
The experience of our doctors combined with excellent technical facilities significantly enhances the accuracy of diagnostic procedures. If a biopsy was performed during cystoscopy, we take photographs of the samples and, if necessary, provide them to our patients.
To schedule a cystoscopy or obtain a consultation, call +7 (495) 324-30-03.
Cystoscopy without pain at the Dilanyan Clinical Center is not a luxury but a standard of medical care.
