Cystoscopy procedure is performed by the urologist to assess the condition and check for any problems in the urethra and bladder. A urologist is a doctor specializing in surgical and medical diseases involved in the female and male urinary system and male reproductive system.

There are two types of cystoscopy procedure:

• Flexible cystoscopy procedure: uses a thin, lighted and flexible cystoscope, and is performed for diagnostic purposes or to check the outcome of a previous surgery done within the bladder or urethra.
• Rigid cystoscopy procedure: uses a thin, lighted and firm cystoscope, and is performed for assessment of bladder and urethral linings, and performs procedures such as obtain tissue samples for analysis, repair bleeding vessels, or remove or crush stone obstructing in the urethra and bladder.

Bladder scope cystoscopy is done because of consistent urinary problems such as:

• blood in the urine (hematuria)
• pain or burning sensation while urination
• urinary frequency- urination of 8 times or more each day
• urinary urgency- the inability to delay urination
• urinary retention- inefficient emptying of the bladder
• urinary incontinence- inability to control urine causing urine leaks
• recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI)

During a cystoscopy procedure the urologist can:

• Check for bladder stones: bladder stones can cause pain in urination and blood in the urine.
• Check for abnormal tissue growth: polyps and other unusual growths in the bladder and urethra can be seen.
• Assess for urethral strictures: causes urinary problems in a person; the urologist can check the cause, location and severity of the urethral stricture.
• Assess and treatment for prostate enlargement: increased size of the prostate can precipitate a variety of uncomfortable urinary symptoms.
• Remove or crush stones in the bladder or urethra: facilitates stone extraction or using an instrument, laser or ultrasound waves to crush a bigger stone.
• Obtain tissue sample or treat abnormal tissue growth: a urologist can take a tissue specimen for analysis.

Bladder scope cystoscopy helps determine the following:

• Stones obstructing the urethra and the bladder
• Abnormal tissue growth on the bladder or urethral linings such as polyps, tumor or cancer
• Urethral stricture due to enlarged prostate, scar tissue

Risks of bladder cystoscopy include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Narrowing of the urethra