Cystoscopy
What is Cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy is a procedure in which a thin fiber-optic camera is inserted into the bladder through a narrow tube (cystoscope) passed through the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside). In children, cystoscopy is performed under general anesthesia.
Cystoscopy allows your child's doctor to visually examine the urethra, bladder interior, and ureters. Minor urological procedures can be performed through cystoscopy, and if necessary, a biopsy (small tissue sample) can be taken for testing.
After your child is anesthetized, the cystoscope is inserted into the urethra and gently advanced into the bladder. Sterile water is introduced through the cystoscope to fill the bladder and provide a clear view of its interior.
This procedure is a very simple, brief intervention performed under general anesthesia.
In children, cystoscopy is generally indicated for:
- Bladder problems: Evaluation of voiding dysfunction, bladder capacity abnormalities, or other bladder function issues.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs): Investigation of underlying causes such as structural anomalies or vesicoureteral reflux.
- Reflux: Assessment and potential treatment of urine backflow from the bladder to the kidneys (vesicoureteral reflux).
- Bladder stones: Visualization and removal of stones or foreign bodies.
- Bladder inflammation or structural abnormalities: Diagnosis of chronic cystitis, bleeding, or voiding difficulty.
- Biopsy: Sampling of suspicious lesions or abnormal tissue to rule out malignancy or other pathology.
- Congenital anomalies: Evaluation and management of conditions such as bladder exstrophy or urethral malformations.
Cystoscopy enables direct visualization of the bladder and urethra and allows therapeutic interventions (e.g., injections, stone extraction, or biopsy) when needed.
This procedure is generally not associated with pain or discomfort. Occasionally, a mild burning sensation and a small amount of blood in the urine may occur, but these symptoms resolve quickly.
After cystoscopy, your child may notice blood in the urine (hematuria) and a mild burning sensation when voiding. Encouraging plenty of fluids will help these symptoms subside within a day or two.
Although antibiotics are often given during the procedure, some children may develop a urinary tract infection afterward, which would be treated with a course of antibiotics as prescribed by your pediatric urologist.
