La cystoscopie is a test that allows you to observe the bladder wall thanks to a camera (= cystoscope) introduced by theurethra (= channel through which urine flows from the bladder to the outside).

This test is also called a bladder endoscopy or urethrocystoscopy.

This test is used either for diagnostic purposes, for therapeutic purposes, or to monitor for bladder injury. It is prescribed in particular in the event of:

• unexplained presence of blood in urine (= hematuria)
• de urination disorders (urgent, frequent needs, difficulty emptying the bladder, recurring pain when urinating, etc.)
• pain in the lower abdomen, in the bladder
• of suspicion of polyps or you die in the urinary tract
• of suspicion of urinary fistulas (in the ureter or bladder)
• in children, in case of suspected malformation or abnormalities of the bladder

The examination also makes it possible to remove “stones” in the bladder (= lithiasis) or tumors, or to treat certain bladder disorders (such as vesicoureteric reflux in children).

Cystoscopy is the basic diagnostic test for bladder tumors.

Cystoscopy consists of introducing through the urinary meatus (= orifice through which urine leaves the body) a thin, rigid or flexible tube, equipped with a light source and a camera: the cystoscope. The exam lasts about ten minutes.

The introduction of the cystoscope is done under local anesthesia in humans after instillation of an anesthetic gel in the urethra, and after disinfection of the urinary meatus. In women, it is most often performed without anesthesia because it is less painful. Finally, in children, general anesthesia is necessary.

Once the endoscope is in the bladder, the doctor instills sterile water to fill it and better visualize its walls (= hydrodistension). The visualization of the walls of the urethra and the bladder is done on a screen which retransmits the images. If necessary, the doctor will take a biopsy during the examination.

After the exam is complete and the cystoscope removed, the patient will need to urinate to empty their bladder.

A urine test can also be done just before the test, especially to check for the presence of cancer cells.

Pain and a burning sensation when urinating is normal within hours of the test.

This examination makes it possible to visualize the mucous membrane of the urethra, that of the bladder as well as the ureteral meatuses (= openings of the ureters coming from the two kidneys and opening into the bladder). It will therefore make it possible to highlight certain lesions characteristic of diseases such as interstitial cystitis, an infection or a bladder tumor.

Treatment will depend on the condition diagnosed.