A cystoscope consists of two ports. The optical port permits visualization of the real state of the bladder and second port that allows insertion of various instruments designed for biopsy (removal of tissue samples), treatment of small bladder tumors, removal of stones from the bladder, and removal of the prostate (prostatectomy).

Looking inside the urinary tract through the cystoscope, detecting abnormalities and doing surgical procedures is called cystoscopy and is being done by a urologic surgeon, or urologist.

There two major types of cystoscopes, the flexible and the rigid. Flexible cystoscope can be inserted through the help of local anesthesia instilled in the urethra. While rigid cystocope, can be inserted in same procedure but is generally carried out under the use of general anesthesia especially if it will cause great discomforts to male patients during the process. Patients are instructed to fast for at least four (4) hours before the insertion of the cystoscope.

Gently the doctor inserts the cystoscope into the urethra and slowly glides into the bladder. Passing through the prostate into the bladder, men may feel couple of pinches. To relax the pelvic muscle, slowly from the cystoscope, a sterile liquid (water, saline or glycine) solution flows through to fill and stretch the bladder for better view of the lining. As the bladder becomes full, normally patients will feel some discomfort that will urge him or her to urinate.

The insertion and removal may only take 15 to 20 minutes, if the surgeon finds a stone and decided to remove it. But if biopsy (a small tissue sample is to be remove) is needed, usually the procedure last longer.

Rarely bleeding happens after the cystoscopy. It occurs in about 1 % among the patients depending on the type of cystoscope used, flex or rigid and on the “gentleness” of the urologist. Thus it is encourage that prostatitis patients should insist on the use of a flexible fiber optic scope rather than using the traditional rigid cystoscope.

To relieve discomforts after the test, doctors prescribe patients to drink 32 ounces of fluids or one liter of water over 2 hours. Take a bath with a lukewarm water to relieve the burning feeling. And a warm damp washcloth can be placed over the urethral opening.

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved with a cystoscopy. Complications may include symptoms like dizziness, nausea or vomiting may be the temporary side effects of the medication; pain, redness, swelling, drainage, or bleeding from the surgical site are signs of infection that may include headache, muscle aches, fever and strenuous or painful urination or an over all ill feeling.

Complications such as acute urinary retention or testicular torsion rarely occur after cystoscopy. These conditions are medical emergencies that needs prompt medical attention.