Cystoscopy Doctor Houston
Cystoscopy and Cystoscope services in Houston
What is a Cystoscope?
A cystoscope is a medical device comprising a long, thin tube with lenses on both ends, often equipped with a light source and sometimes a camera, designed for visual inspection of the bladder. During a cystoscopy, the device evaluates the bladder opening, bladder wall muscles, bladder lining, the movement and closure of the bladder opening, and urine flow from the kidneys into the bladder.
How is Cystoscopy Performed?
Cystoscopy is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects and no significant downtime. The procedure begins with the application of a numbing gel to the bladder opening, which is then gently dilated. A specially designed scope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. Saline is infused to expand the bladder, allowing the cystoscope to inspect its interior.
Uses of Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy is employed to diagnose bladder lesions such as polyps, stones, or cancer, and to evaluate obstructions in the bladder or kidney openings. It is also used alongside urodynamic testing to assess bladder function in patients with urinary issues like incontinence, retention, or painful urination. Additionally, it helps in evaluating women with recurrent or chronic urinary tract infections.
Therapeutic Uses of Cystoscopy
The cystoscope can be used to treat various bladder conditions. It allows for the removal of polyps and biopsy of suspicious lesions, as well as the removal or pulverization of bladder stones using a laser.
Additional Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications
Cystoscopy assists in diagnosing interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome by ruling out other causes of pain and identifying disease-specific features. For instance, the presence of Hunner’s ulcers or glomerulations during bladder distention can confirm interstitial cystitis.
Cystoscopy also treats urge incontinence by injecting Botox into the bladder muscle to reduce overactivity and alleviate symptoms. For stress incontinence, special polymers can be injected into the bladder neck to create bulk, enhancing closure and preventing urine leakage. This outpatient procedure is effective and increases resistance to urine outflow.
Cystoscopy Doctor Houston