Cystoscopy

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Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is an outpatient procedure used to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. The examination helps determine the cause of various urinary symptoms such as pain, blood in the urine, recurrent infections, and urinary urgency or frequency.

A doctor performs the examination with a cystoscope, which is a thin, flexible instrument that includes a small lens and a light on the end. The lens magnifies the lining of the urethra and bladder. Many cystoscopes also allow for small tools to be inserted through them that are used to treat or diagnose problems.

Cystoscopy is performed under local anesthesia to numb sensations as the doctor inserts the cystoscope into the urethra and guides it into the bladder. Sterile saline or water is inserted to stretch the bladder, allowing a more complete examination of the bladder wall. The examination usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Why choose UAB Medicine

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers complete women’s health care, delivered by physicians and nurses dedicated to excellence. Our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, so you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available. Our program is consistently ranked among the best of its kind in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

As part of the UAB Division of Women’s Reproductive Healthcare, UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology’s services range from complete obstetric care to the medical and surgical treatment of complex gynecological concerns. Because UAB Medicine is a major center for research, patients may have access to promising new techniques and treatments not available at other medical centers. Our physicians are here for you at every stage of life, from your first gynecological exam to delivering your baby and helping guide you through menopause.

UAB Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery provides the highest level of research-based care for women’s pelvic floor disorders. Our fellowship-trained and board-certified physicians offer the full range of treatment options for women with urinary and bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other pelvic floor conditions. We provide both minimally invasive surgical treatments and nonsurgical options.

Urogynecology is all that we do, so you can depend on us to deliver sensitive, individualized care that meets your needs.