Observation cystoscopy in men

Cystoscopy is an examination of the bladder using endoscopic instruments. This procedure is carried out for women and men, small children. For each group of patients, the diagnosis is carried out differently; for men, this process takes more time and requires special preparation. During the examination, the doctor receives complete information about the condition and functioning of the urinary system, selects treatment tactics. It is better to find out what cystoscopy is in men and how it is performed in advance in order to get rid of unnecessary fears and prepare properly.

The essence of viewing cystoscopy

Cystoscopy refers to endoscopic methods of diagnosis and treatment. This means that during the procedure, a tube with an optical system and lighting is inserted into the organ cavity. This examination technique allows you to examine in detail the inner surface of the organs, the mucous membrane, to detect the smallest changes. Previously, this required a strip operation, today this process takes no more than half an hour and does not require any incisions. Cystoscopy can be viewing or therapeutic. The first is intended only for diagnostics, and during treatment, microsurgical instruments are inserted through the tube and operations are performed.

Observation cystoscopy for men helps to examine in detail the condition of the bladder, to detect the smallest changes in the organ or mucosa. In some cases, such a diagnosis is the only way to correctly diagnose. For example, ultrasound or x-rays do not show small ulcers, inflammations and infections. During an endoscope examination, the doctor can assess the color of tissues, see any neoplasms even at the first stage of development. Observation cystoscopy is performed using a special tool – a cystoscope. It consists of a rigid or flexible tube that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder cavity. There is a light point at the end of the tube.

Old copies are intended for direct examination, when the doctor examines the organs through the optical system of the device. New cystoscopes are equipped with a camera, the image from which is transmitted to the monitor. The new generation of cystoscopes provides more information and reduces the chance of misdiagnosis. For children, men and women, different tube lengths are used. The male is equipped with a flexible, thin and long trocar, this is due to the very anatomy of the male urethra, it is longer and narrower than in women. Accordingly, the process of cystoscopy for the male is a little more difficult.

Indications and contraindications for the procedure

An endoscopic examination is prescribed to make an accurate diagnosis. In addition, the urologist directs the patient to ultrasound and x-rays, sometimes to computed tomography. This is necessary to exclude contraindications. In some cases, such techniques can replace cystoscopy, but sometimes they are not enough. Men are referred for bladder examination when:

• urinary incontinence;
• the formation of stones;
• the appearance of pus and blood in the urine;
• pain during urination for an unexplained reason;
• suspected tumors or ulcers;
• chronic pelvic pain;
• urogenital tuberculosis.

The patient undergoes a study to clarify the diagnosis, as well as after treatment, to check the effectiveness of therapy. During one course, the patient can undergo several planned diagnostics with a cystoscope. Such an examination is not prescribed if the patient:

• fever against the background of infections of the genitourinary system;
• acute course of inflammatory processes;
• acute stage of prostatitis and orchitis;
• bleeding from the urethra;
• too low blood clotting;
• severe diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Some contraindications are considered relative, such as fever and acute inflammation. In such cases, these symptoms are first eliminated, and then a diagnosis is made with a cystoscope.

Rules for preparing for the survey

Preparation for cystoscopy depends on how this procedure will be performed. This is a method of anesthesia, most often using local anesthesia. But in rare cases, general anesthesia may be offered. A few days before the procedure, the urologist or diagnostician will prescribe the necessary tests and studies:

• Ultrasound;
• CT scan or MRI;
• X-ray
• urine and blood tests;
• consultation of related specialists: therapist, neurologist, diagnostician, etc.

After that, the doctor will tell the patient what kind of anesthesia will be, how the procedure goes. If you are going to do general anesthesia, you should refuse food on the evening before and on the day of the procedure. Drugs that reduce blood clotting are also prohibited. The doctor needs to be told about all the medications that have been taken over the past two days. Before the diagnosis itself, the subject empties the bladder. After the procedure, the patient is forbidden to drive, so the help of loved ones may be required. Also, when collecting, you should not forget the documents related to the disease: reports of previous studies, the results of analyzes and tests.

Procedure

Diagnosis is carried out on an outpatient basis, the patient does not need to go to the clinic, after examination and drawing up a conclusion, he is immediately released. The procedure takes place in an office equipped with equipment and a table for examination. The doctor and assistant take part in the process. For inspection, a rigid endoscope or a flexible one can be used. Agile technique is easier to carry, but slightly less informative. Therefore, the choice of device will depend on individual characteristics and the clinical picture. It is very important that the patient is calm during cystoscopy, as sudden movements or muscle spasms interfere with the advancement of the trocar and can lead to injury. Therefore, sedatives and anesthetics are administered before the process.

The procedure goes like this:

1. The patient changes into sterile disposable clothing or a gown. He is taken to the procedure room.
2. In the office, the doctor first treats the genital area with antiseptic agents. The cystoscope tube is lubricated with glycerin for easy movement through the urethra. If the patient is very anxious, he is given sedatives intravenously.
3. Local anesthesia is first injected into the urethra, this can be done by both the doctor himself and the anesthesiologist. Lidocaine gel or novocaine is injected through the external opening of the canal, then a compression ring is placed under the head of the penis. In this position, the patient remains for 7-10 minutes. In rare cases, general anesthesia is performed, as a rule, this is necessary for mentally unbalanced patients or children.
4. When the anesthesia works, the doctor can begin the process. The cystoscope tube is slowly inserted into the urethra. If at some point the patient panics or is in pain, the doctor stops the tube from moving so as not to damage the walls of the organs. Thus, the trocar is passed to the bladder.
5. The remaining urine is removed through the tube, and then the bladder is filled with a sterile solution. This is necessary so that the walls of the organ straighten out, which will allow them to be better seen. Through the eyepiece or on the monitor, the doctor assesses the condition of the bladder.
6. Upon completion of the procedure, the solution is removed from the organ through the same tube. The cystoscope is slowly withdrawn, at which point the doctor can additionally examine the urethra. In this case, cystoscopy is accompanied by ureteroscopy. External organs are once again treated with antiseptics.

Based on the data received, the doctor will draw up a report on which they will build treatment tactics. If local anesthesia was used, the patient can immediately go home. After general anesthesia, the patient remains in the hospital room for several more hours.

Cystoscopy results

In the area of ​​the urinary system, men can have many problems. These include congenital anomalies, mechanical damage to organs, infections, inflammation. All these pathologies are accompanied by unpleasant symptoms: pain, discomfort, psychological stress. Therefore, it is important to correctly diagnose and treat them. At the appointment of a urologist, cystoscopy is considered one of the most popular examination methods. Although it is quite difficult to tolerate and requires the skill of a doctor, it provides comprehensive information about the urinary system. During the examination, the doctor may find:

• inflammation in the bladder or urethra;
• stones, ulcers, tumors;
• injuries and hematomas from injuries;
• evaluate the function of the sphincter and other departments;
• infiltrate or stricture.

Also during the procedure, the cause of unexplained pain, bleeding, pus is established. The results of cystoscopy may refute a previously diagnosed diagnosis. With the help of such diagnostics, the quality of conservative treatment or surgery is assessed. If necessary, against the background of a viewing cystoscopy, they can conduct a treatment or take a piece of tissue for analysis. The main result is the correct diagnosis and the possibility of accurate treatment.

Complications after the procedure

Patients who are just about to undergo an examination are wondering if it hurts to do a cystoscopy. This process is unpleasant, especially if a rigid cystoscope is used. But he is quite tolerant, which can confirm the reviews. Unpleasant sensations appear during the introduction and removal of the trocar, active movements of the doctor with a tube to examine the organ. But the anesthetic gel reduces sensitivity, so the procedure can be quite easy. When using a flexible tube, even local anesthesia may not be required.

After the end of the diagnosis, the doctor should tell his ward about the complications and sensations after the study. Observation cystoscopy rarely leads to negative consequences, but there may be discomfort after it. Among them are pain during urination and in the lower abdomen. This is not considered dangerous, such phenomena disappear after 1-3 days. But, if the discomfort does not leave for more than three days, you need to consult with your urologist. In any case, the doctor will set the date for the next examination, you need to come to an unscheduled appointment if:

• there was blood from the urethra;
• difficulty in urination: prolonged retention, frequent urge, incontinence;
• the genitals are swollen and reddened;
• a fever has set in;
• pain appeared or increased during urination;
• pain in the lower back and lower abdomen (although they were not there before).

Such symptoms may indicate infection or damage to the internal organs with a cystoscope. Therefore, in the first time after the procedure, it is very important to monitor your well-being. If suspicious symptoms appear, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor, especially if they were not there before the examination.

Where to do a cystoscopy

Such an examination is carried out in almost every medical institution, in the public and private segment of clinics. When choosing a venue, it is worth knowing that private clinics use modern equipment, cystoscopes are often flexible with a camera. Government clinics and hospitals use eyepiece specimens, which increases the chance of misdiagnosis and useless treatment. If possible, before visiting a doctor, it is better to look for reviews about the clinic and the procedure itself, so as not to make a mistake and mentally prepare. The price of such a service in the private segment will be 90-150 dollars. The cost depends on the status of the institution and the qualifications of the medical staff. In public institutions, such a service should be free.

Cystoscopy in men is an instrumental method for diagnosing the bladder. Examination allows you to accurately establish the diagnosis and choose the right treatment. There is no need to avoid and be afraid of this diagnosis, it is better to go through it as soon as possible in order to return to normal life without pain and discomfort.