A9. Cystourethroscopy: Requirements, technique, and indications

From greek.doctor

Cystoscopy, also called cysturethroscopy, is a procedure where a cystoscope (an endoscope) is inserted into the urethra to examine the urethra, urethral sphincter, prostate, urinary bladder, and uretral orifices. Fluid is continously irrigated into the bladder to prevent it from collapsing and reducing view. The endoscope can visualise the organs, take biopsy samples, and perform a limited number of therapeutic interventions like cauterisation. It's one of the most common procedures performed in urology.

Indications

  • Haematuria
  • Suspicion of tumour
  • Urinary obstruction
  • Recurrent UTIs
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Bladder biopsy
  • Placement of DJ stent

Types

  • Flexible cystoscope
    • Takes on the shape of the urethra -> more comfortable, less pain
    • Does not allow for therapeutic intervention or deeper biopsies
  • Rigid cystoscope
    • Is not flexible and therefore more painful to use, especially for men
    • Allows for therapeutic intervention and deeper biopsies
    • Must be performed under general or spinal anaesthesia

Contraindications

  • Acute urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis
  • Febrile UTI

Performing cystoscopy on a patient with urinary infection may lead to sepsis.

Technique

  • Disinfection of urethral area
  • Application of lidocaine gel
  • Prepare conductive or non-conductive irrigation fluid
  • Insert the cystourethroscope
  • Inspect all parts of the urethra, bladder, and ureteral orifices

Enhanced imaging

Not all bladder tumours are easily visible with the naked eye using a cystoscope (called white light cystoscopy), especially carcinomas in situ. Two techniques allow for improved detection of bladder cancer.

Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD), also called fluorescent cystoscopy, is often used, where a fluorescent dye (photosensitiser) called hexyl aminolevulinate (HAL, Hexvix®) is administered into the bladder before the procedure. Cancer cells absorb this dye and glow red or pink when special fluorescent light is shone from the cystoscope, making them easier to see.

Narrow band imaging (NBI) is a similar technique which uses a specific wavelength of light with makes blood vessels more visible. As tumours often are hypervascularised, this can help detect tumours. No photosensitiser is required.