Cletus Georges, MD, Explains What Happens During a Cystoscopy

Urology is a complex field. Part of a urologist’s job is to understand a patient’s urologic issue thoroughly. A cystoscopy is one way to accomplish this goal. Sometimes a urologist like Cletus Georges, MD, will perform a cystoscopy to understand better what’s going on inside a patient’s body.

A cystoscopy is when the urologist uses a thin tube roughly the thickness of a pencil as a probe. The scope is equipped with a lens that allows the doctor to see inside a patient’s body to determine the functionality and condition of the urinary tract.

There are two types of cystoscopies:

• Rigid: The cystoscopes in this procedure are inflexible and used as a channel for passing instruments. Cletus Georges MD explains that these are typically used for performing biopsies and tumor removal.

• Flexible: This type of scope bends and is used to examine the parts of the urinary tract, such as the bladder and urethra, so that a doctor can diagnose a problem.

What to Expect

The cystoscopy is ordinarily an outpatient procedure, and you can typically go home the same day or stay overnight in the hospital. The urologist uses a numbing gel on the area before the probe is passed carefully through your urethra. Depending on how invasive the cystoscopy will be, you might have to be sedated or have general anesthesia.

Cletus Georges, MD, explains that you’ll have to do a routine UTI check on the day of the procedure. You’ll also have to urinate before the procedure.

If everything checks out, the doctor sedates or numbs you before a lubricated scope is slid into the urethra and through to the bladder. Sterile salt water is injected into the bladder, stretching it and making it easier to see the lining.

Instruments may be used to retrieve tissue samples. After that, the liquid is drained from the bladder. Then you will urinate in the restroom.

Cletus Georges, MD, explains that it’s a simple procedure, but it’s crucial to find a qualified physician to perform it. This ensures that any samples and analysis are correct and an appropriate diagnosis is determined.