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A cystoscopy examination is done to examine the bladder. This examination is conducted using a special endoscope which has a light and camera that is fixed on one end. This endoscope is also known as a cystoscope. The scope is inserted into the body through the urethra and then is passed on into the bladder.
A cystoscopic procedure is conducted in order to investigate the symptoms of repeated urinary tract infections, pain, painful urination, incontinence, bloody urine, dribbling after you have finished urinating and other urinary problems. With the help of cystoscopy, the doctor can help detect the presence of stones or other obstructions in the bladder, inflammation, tumors, polyps, cysts, enlarged prostate, diverticula, or growths on the wall of the bladder, ulcers and other abnormalities due to which the urethra may become narrowed.
Though complications are rather rare in a cystoscopy, there are certain risk factors. Your doctor will discuss all the possible risks with you and these may include bleeding, infections, or damage to the wall due to the incorrect handling of the cystoscope. There are other factors which may increase the risk of complications like diabetes or existing infections or disorders that could be present in the body. Since the procedure is intrusive, it is conducted in the office of a doctor. The procedure may be performed under local or general anesthesia and you will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking anything for at least eight hours before the procedure. The entire procedure does not take very long and in about 10 to 15 minutes, the doctor will have whatever is required.
The effect of the sedatives and the anesthesia remain till the procedure has been completed and you would not experience much pain. You would however experience slight pain or a burning sensation especially while urinating after the procedure has been completed. The pain is usually not very intense and is characterized only by a slight stinging sensation. However, if the pain is more than what you can bear, do not hesitate to ask your doctor for some pain killers.
After the procedure is through, there are certain things you can do to make sure that your recovery is smooth. For some time, you may keep seeing blood in your urine however this is completely normal and should not alarm you. If your doctor has prescribed you any medications, be sure to take them as and when directed.
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