Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Cystourethroscopy, bladder endoscopy, vesicoscopy, flexible cystoscopy, rigid cystoscopy
Definition
Cystoscopy (sis-TOS-kuh-pee) is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that allows healthcare professionals to examine the lining of the bladder and the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).1 It involves the insertion of a cystoscope—a long, thin optical instrument with an eyepiece at one end, a rigid or flexible tube in the middle, and a tiny lens and light at the other end—through the urethra and into the bladder.2 The bladder is then filled with sterile fluid to expand it, allowing for detailed visualization of the bladder and urethral linings.3 This procedure enables urologists to diagnose various urinary tract conditions, obtain tissue samples for biopsy, and perform certain treatments.4
Clinical Context
Cystoscopy is used to diagnose, monitor, and treat conditions affecting the bladder and urethra.1 Healthcare providers may recommend cystoscopy to investigate symptoms such as blood in the urine (hematuria), urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, painful urination, frequent urinary tract infections, and inability to urinate.2
The procedure is clinically indicated for diagnosing bladder diseases and conditions including bladder cancer, bladder stones, and bladder inflammation (cystitis).3 In men, it can help diagnose an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) by revealing a narrowing of the urethra where it passes through the prostate gland.1
There are two main types of cystoscopes used in clinical practice: flexible cystoscopes, which bend to follow the natural path of the urethra and are typically used for diagnostic procedures under local anesthesia; and rigid cystoscopes, which don’t bend and are usually used with sedation or general anesthesia for performing biopsies or removing tumors.4
The procedure typically takes 5-15 minutes for diagnostic purposes but may take longer if additional interventions such as biopsies or stone removal are performed.2 Recovery is usually quick, with most patients experiencing only mild discomfort for 1-2 days following the procedure.3