Endourology is a specialized branch of urology that focuses on the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of urinary tract conditions. It involves using endoscopes, which are flexible or rigid instruments with built-in cameras, to visualize and perform procedures inside the urinary system.
Endourology techniques are typically used to treat various conditions, including kidney stones, ureteral strictures, urinary tract obstructions, bladder tumors, and certain prostate conditions. The minimally invasive nature of endourology offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, such as reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and smaller incisions or no incisions at all.
Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that is performed to examine and treat conditions within the bladder that may not show up clearly on an X-ray or other common imaging procedure. With this procedure, doctors can clearly visualize targeted areas within the bladder. Doctors may perform a cystoscopy for a variety of reasons that may include:
- Determining the cause of blood in the urine
- Investigating repeated urinary tract infections
- Evaluating blockages in the urethra
- Removing tissue samples for biopsy
- Removing foreign objects
- Placing a catheter in the ureter
The Cystoscopy Procedure
Prior to the cystoscopy procedure, patients are asked to empty their bladder. Local anesthesia is administered before the cystoscope, a thin lighted tube, is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. Water or saline is then dispensed into the bladder through the cystoscope. As the fluid fills the bladder, the bladder wall is stretched, allowing the doctor to fully view the bladder in detail. Additional instruments may also be inserted to collect tissue samples or remove any abnormalities. The examination usually takes only about ten minutes to perform, although the entire process may last 45 minutes.
Complications of Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy is considered safe for most patients, with no permanent complications. After the procedure, there may be mild swelling in the urethra and burning during urination, however these side effects usually diminish within 48 hours after the procedure. A bladder biopsy may also be performed so that the bladder tissue can be analyzed.