An indispensable test in detecting bladder cancer
Urethrocystoscopy is a safe, minimally invasive examination that allows observation of the inside of the urethra and bladder.
This endoscopic examination is performed with a metal/rubber flexible instrument that is inserted through the urethra to the bladder.
Urethrocystoscopy is used to assess the patency of the urethra, the size of the prostate (in men), the capacity of the bladder, the position and appearance of the ureteral orifices, and the appearance of the mucous membrane and bladder wall.
The advantage of urethrocystoscopy is that it allows insight into the appearance of the mucous membrane of the urethra and bladder, the existence of tumors, stones or other changes in the mucous membrane.
It is also possible to take a tissue sample (do a biopsy) during the examination and stop bleeding from the mucous membrane of the bladder or prostate.
The ability to take a tissue sample is especially important in diagnosing bladder cancer.
In the Western world, bladder cancer is the 4th most common malignant disease in humans.
Historically, urethrocystoscopy is a revolutionary diagnostic method that was once the first to allow an examination of the inside of the human body. Today, it is an invaluable diagnostic method and one of the most frequently performed urological examinations.
Urethrocystoscopy is the gold standard for examining the inside and mucous membranes of the urethra and bladder and vesicoureteral orifices.
There is no suitable substitute examination of the same diagnostic value. Tests such as bladder ultrasound, intravenous urography and CT urography are not specific and detailed like uroroscopy.
Minor changes in the bladder mucosa and similar other symptoms are difficult to see through these imaging tests, so cystoscopy is an extremely valuable and truly irreplaceable diagnostic method in modern urology.
Endoscopic examination of the urethra and bladder is performed for symptoms such as visible blood (with the naked eye or with a microscope) in the urine, painful and frequent or difficult urination, urinary incontinence, frequent urinary tract infections , and the like.
It is recommended that all men over 50 years of age, regardless of the existence or absence of symptoms, undergo a urological examination for the prevention of various urological diseases.
Urethrocystoscopy is performed by a specialist doctor – urologist with the assistance of medical staff. The examination is performed in the so-called gynecological position in women and men (lying on the back with the legs raised on the legs).
It is most often performed with the use of a local anesthetic in the form of a gel, but it can also be performed under short-term general or regional anesthesia, depending on the clinical picture and the patient’s wishes.
After the application of anesthesia, the urologist carefully inserts a cystoscope through the urethra and examines the inner surface of the urethra and bladder. The cystoscope has a lens on the front part that increases the examined surface area and allows detailed diagnostics.
During cystoscopy , the bladder is filled with sterile fluid, which can cause an unpleasant feeling of an overflowing bladder with a strong urge to urinate. Most people tolerate the test without any problems, but some may experience pain.
In women, urethrocystoscopy is mostly painless because they have a shorter urethra through which a cystoscope needs to be passed to reach the bladder. In men, the urethra is much longer, so the pain occurs more often.
If it is performed under short intravenous anesthesia, pain and discomfort are completely eliminated during urethrocystoscopy. In this case, the examination takes a little longer and, given the short-term general anesthesia, a short recovery is required after the examination under the supervision of our professional staff.
A cystoscopic examination is a simple and safe examination that provides a detailed insight into the condition of the urinary tract. Urethrocystoscopy with all the preparations lasts an average of 15 minutes if it is performed with the use of an anesthetic gel.
In the event that intravenous anesthesia is used during cystoscopy, the duration of the examination is extended to approximately 30 minutes. After the administration of general anesthesia, it is necessary to remain under observation for a short time until the medication subsides.
Urine culture is a test that checks for the presence of bacteria in a urine sample. If there are bacteria in the urine that could be the cause of a urinary infection, urethrocystoscopy is not performed.
Before the examination, it is recommended to take a large amount of fluid. It is also necessary to wash the external genitalia thoroughly.
If you are taking medications that affect blood clotting, such as Andol, Aspirin and the like, it is necessary to seek advice from a urologist and hematologist about a short-term interruption in therapy before the examination.
For people who have heart problems, it may be necessary to take antibiotic therapy according to the doctor’s instructions before cystoscopy.
If the examination was carried out using a local anesthetic, there are no special procedures for recovery. Immediately after completion, you can resume your daily activities.
If urethrocystoscopy was performed under short-term general anesthesia, it is necessary to remain under the supervision of medical staff after the examination until the effects of the drugs subside.
Also, in this case, it is not possible to drive the vehicle until 2 hours after the end of the inspection, so we recommend that you come with an escort.
For the first 2 hours after urethrocystoscopy, you will need to drink a liter of fluid to flush the bladder. Over the next two days, it is necessary to continue with increased fluid intake to prevent possible infection.
Complications after the examination are rare. Frequent urination occurs one to two days after urethrocystoscopy. There may be a burning sensation when urinating or the presence of light bleeding if a tissue sample was taken during the examination.
These short-term side effects are not a cause for concern and disappear spontaneously within a day or two.
Increased fluid consumption reduces and shortens the duration of these side effects. If the mentioned symptoms persist and are accompanied by a fever, it is necessary to contact a doctor.
Other possible complications are urinary tract infection, which occurs more often in elderly patients and smokers, bleeding, side effects related to anesthesia drugs.
The most common reason for performing urethrocystoscopy is the appearance of blood in the urine and urination disorders, i.e. difficult or painful urination. It is also indicated as part of a follow-up examination after bladder surgery.
It can also be performed due to the need to apply a stent that widens the urinary tract and ensures its patency in the event of an obstruction such as a stone or tumor.
Urethrocystoscopy will also be indicated by a specialist in the case of the following diseases:
The appearance of blood in the urine is certainly an alarming symptom and sign of a pathological process in the urethra or bladder. If blood appears at the beginning of the stream when urinating, it indicates a disease of the urethra. When blood occurs at the end of urination, it is a disease of the bladder or, in men, the prostate.
If, when urinating, the entire stream is bloody, this indicates pathological processes of the bladder wall or bleeding of the kidneys. For the diagnosis of urological diseases, the appearance of red blood cells (erythrocytes) without a visible change in the color of urine is particularly problematic. This condition is called microhematuria and can be caused by kidney stones, but also by a kidney tumor.
Urethrocystoscopy is an important diagnostic method in the event of the appearance of these symptoms because it allows a precise and detailed examination of the walls of the urethra and bladder. An additional advantage is that it is possible to take a tissue sample during the examination, i.e. a biopsy to confirm or rule out bladder cancer.
At the Urology Clinic of the Lohuis Fiipović Polyclinic, we use the most modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of urological problems.
Urological problems plague both men and women. The causes of the problems are various and treatment requires a thorough urological examination in order to make a good diagnosis and choose the appropriate therapeutic procedure.
Let us listen to you, examine you and do all the necessary diagnostics to find out the cause of the interference and eliminate or alleviate it.
We are especially proud of our team of doctors and nurture the collaborative principle of work that unites experience, knowledge and cutting-edge technology.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.
