Cystoscopy of the bladder in women and men is carried out quite often. This is an extremely informative procedure that helps to evaluate the work of the bladder and detect a number of diseases even in the initial stages. But patients are interested in questions about how cystoscopy is performed, whether it is associated with certain complications.
What is cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy is an endoscopic research method that allows you to examine the inner surface of the bladder and urinary tract. It is worth noting that this procedure has extremely important diagnostic value, as it helps to determine the presence of certain diseases and even carry out some therapeutic measures without the help of a surgeon.
The cystoscope is a special apparatus that resembles a long narrow tube in shape. Outside the tube is surrounded by a metal cylinder, as well as a special lighting system. In the center of the cylinder there are also additional channels that are designed to introduce instruments (for example, catheters, forceps, electrodes, etc.) into the bladder .
It is also worth noting that today two types of cystoscopes are used. There are standard stiff instruments and the so-called flexible cystoscopes, which provide less discomfort.
This procedure is performed for patients of both sexes. Nevertheless, it is believed that cystoscopy of the bladder in men is much more complicated and necessarily requires local anesthesia - severe discomfort is associated with the features of the anatomical structure.
Indications for the procedure
In the presence of certain problems in the functioning of the urinary system, patients are recommended endoscopic examination. Cystoscopy of the bladder in women, men and children is performed in the presence of such ailments and symptoms as:
- the presence of blood impurities in urine samples;
- frequent inflammation of the bladder;
- urination disorders, the cause of which could not be detected using other diagnostic methods;
- enuresis;
- chronic pain in the lower abdomen and in the pelvic region;
- the presence of atypical cells in urine samples;
- increased contractile activity of the bladder;
- the presence or suspicion of the presence of stones in the urinary tract;
- neoplasms in the bladder that were detected during ultrasound or computed tomography (cyst, polyp, tumor, etc.);
- suspected development of interstitial cystitis.
In any case, it should be understood that only the attending physician can prescribe a similar procedure.
Preparation for cystoscopy of the bladder
Of course, in order for the procedure to give the most accurate results, it is necessary to properly prepare for it. More precisely, the attending physician will tell you about precautions and recommendations. Nevertheless, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, as some of them may affect the reliability of the results. In particular, the list of prohibited drugs includes various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs for the treatment of arthritis, as well as some painkillers. You also need to give up aspirin and anticoagulants at least temporarily, as these drugs increase the likelihood of bleeding.
In addition, cystoscopy of the bladder in women is not performed during menstruation - in such cases, the procedure is simply transferred to another time. In the evening, on the eve of the procedure, it is recommended to take an antibacterial agent with a wide spectrum of effects (for example, the drug "Monural", although the doctor will tell you more about this). One bag will help get rid of a lot of complications in the future.
Extremely important is the purity of the external genital organs. Therefore, preparation for cystoscopy of the bladder also includes morning hygienic procedures, because otherwise there is a high probability of introducing a bacterial or fungal infection into the urinary tract. If the procedure is carried out under general anesthesia, then it is better not to eat anything in the morning.
For local anesthesia, as a rule, special painkillers are used that are injected directly into the urethra. Patients usually need to buy such drugs on their own - be sure to ask your doctor about this.
There is an opinion that before cystoscopy you can not go to the toilet, since the bladder must be full. In fact, this statement is incorrect, because if necessary, the doctor himself will inject the necessary amount of fluid into the cavity of the bladder.
How do cystoscopy of the bladder do? Description of procedure
It is immediately worth noting that cystoscopy can be performed both on an outpatient basis and in a hospital setting. Before starting, the doctor determines whether the patient needs pain relief. General anesthesia is indicated for surgical interventions and therapeutic measures - in such cases, an anesthetist should be next to the patient.
For convenience, the patient is offered to sit in a special chair, similar to a gynecological. If the person is conscious, then the urethra is treated with an anesthetic, for example, Prilocaine or Lidocaine - these substances have freezing properties and make tissues less sensitive. Today, special gels are becoming more and more popular, which not only anesthetize the inner walls of the urethra, but also lubricate the urinary tract and eliminate friction.
What does cystoscopy look like? First, the cystoscope is carefully lubricated with sterile glycerin. This tool is perfect as a lubricant, as it does not violate the transparency of the optical medium.
After the instrument is inserted into the cavity of the bladder, the doctor releases residual urine. Next, a solution of furatsilin is fed there in order to rinse and disinfect the walls of the bladder. In the future, the doctor determines the capacity of the bladder - for this purpose, the same solution of furacilin is fed into it. The patient is asked to inform the doctor that he felt the urge to urinate.
When the bubble is full, the doctor may begin to examine the mucous membrane. Particular attention is paid to the bottom of the bladder, since most often it is here that inflammatory or pathological processes are localized.
In some cases, the procedure is combined with chromocystoscopy. With this procedure, the patient is injected intravenously with a solution of indigo carmine - a blue dye. Using a contrast medium allows you to determine the activity of each of the ureters and, accordingly, evaluate the work of the kidneys.
Rigid cystoscopy and its features
In addition to the standard procedure, there is also rigid cystoscopy. This technique is widely used not only to examine the mucous membrane of the bladder, but also to remove certain formations. In particular, this is how cystoscopy is performed with a biopsy of the bladder, when the doctor requires laboratory tests of tissue samples. In addition, using an endoscope, polyps, small cysts, tumors, etc. can also be removed.
Quite often, this kind of cystoscopy is performed under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is also possible - an anesthetic is injected into the back, as this helps to anesthetize the body below the waist.
Cystoscopy and medical procedures
Quite often, cystoscopy in women, men and pediatric patients is associated with various therapeutic measures. In particular, during an endoscopic examination of the bladder, a doctor may perform procedures such as:
- stopping bleeding caused by urinary tract tissue;
- removal of benign or malignant neoplasms in the bladder;
- elimination of obstruction;
- accurate destruction of stones in the bladder or urinary tract;
- dissection of an existing stricture at the mouth of the ureter or urethra;
- catheter placement;
- pluck biopsy.
As you can see, cystoscopy of the bladder (photo is in the article) is not only a diagnostic, but also a minimally invasive treatment procedure. And this is also important.
What to expect after the procedure?
After cystoscopy, the doctor will be able to immediately inform you about the presence of certain problems, as well as give the necessary recommendations. The only exceptions are those cases when the procedure involves biopsy - you will need to wait for the results of laboratory tests.
It should be noted that most often within a few days, patients feel pain and pain of one or another intensity during urination. This phenomenon is completely normal - you just need to tolerate until everything passes. But the use of painkillers is not recommended, since most of these drugs thin the blood, increase the likelihood of bleeding.
Bladder cystoscopy in women (and in men) can cause pulling pains in the lower abdomen, which also disappear after a few days. On the first day, a discoloration of urine is possible - it is often brownish, and sometimes with visible impurities of blood. This is also regarded as quite normal. Patients are advised to drink more fluid in order to quickly cleanse the bladder and change the chemical composition of urine.
Sometimes doctors prescribe antibacterial drugs to patients - this is a preventive measure that helps prevent the development of infectious diseases and inflammatory processes.
If your condition worsens every day, then you should consult a doctor. Potentially serious situations include lower back pain, urinary retention, fever, and the formation of blood clots in the urine - you can not do without the help of a specialist.
Are complications possible?
Many patients in preparation for the procedure are interested in whether there are any side effects that cystoscopy can lead to. Complications in this case are possible. The most common consequences include trauma to the urethra. Sometimes the urethra is also injured during the procedure, and the patient may form a so-called “false move” for urine.
Urinary retention is another dangerous condition, which, however, is not so often diagnosed. Injury to certain parts of the urinary system leads to bleeding - sometimes blood clots can block the urinary tract, which is a threat to human health.
The most common complications include urinary tract infections. The penetration and activity of bacterial, viral and fungal microorganisms leads to urethritis and cystitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder). In more severe cases, the infection penetrates deeper, affecting the kidney tissue, which ends with pyelonephritis. Fortunately, the prophylactic use of antibacterial agents minimizes the likelihood of bacterial inflammation.
Contraindications to cystoscopy
It is immediately worth noting that such a procedure is far from being carried out in every case, since contraindications still exist. For example, cystoscopy of the bladder in men is not performed if, during the diagnosis process, an exacerbation of certain diseases of the prostate and testicles is found in the patient.
Contraindications also include acute inflammatory diseases that affect the mucous membrane of the urethra. In such cases, you must first carry out appropriate therapy. Cystoscopy is also prohibited in the presence of a fresh injury to the urethra. A violation of the patency of the urethra makes the procedure almost impossible.
Common contraindications include bleeding of unknown origin - in such cases, patients are advised to undergo examination, identify the source of bleeding and undergo the necessary therapy. Cystoscopy is not recommended against the background of the so-called resorptive fever, the occurrence of which is due to the release of toxins into the blood from the focus of purulent process or bacterial inflammation.
Endoscopic examination of the bladder: patient reviews
Today, many patients are prescribed this procedure. Cystoscopy is considered an extremely important diagnostic method, which allows you to detect a lot of diseases in time. But, of course, reviews of patients who underwent the procedure remain an important issue.
First of all, it is worth noting that cystoscopy always gives the desired result and helps to establish a diagnosis and make further appointments for patients. As for the subjective sensations during the procedure, many factors are important here, in particular the physiological and anatomical features of the human body, the pain threshold, the skill and professionalism of the doctor. Some patients complain only of a little discomfort, while others feel real pain. In any case, the procedure does not last long, and local anesthesia can make it less unpleasant.
After cystoscopy, many patients complain of discomfort, pain and pain during urination. But, again, these sensations disappear after 1-2 days.
Another interesting question: in which rooms cystoscopy of the bladder is performed? Where to do this procedure? In some clinics, patients are offered to examine the bladder directly in the urologist's office. In extreme cases, you can use the services of a private clinic. Be sure to ask your doctor about your cystoscopy.