Cystoscopy means inspecting the inside of the Urethra & Bladder with a Telescope.

It is usually performed under sedation & light general anaesthesia but it can also be performed under local anaesthesia, especially in female patients.

The telescope (Cystoscope) is passed through the urinary passage inside the bladder to inspect it. Though this is essentially a diagnostic test, during the procedure, a small piece of any abnormal areas, if seen, may be removed (Biopsy). Sometimes, treatment such as cystodistension, urethrotomy, urethral dilatation etc may be combined with a Cystoscopy. Cystoscopy typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Normally this procedure is done as a day care procedure. However, if any additional procedure is performed simultaneously, then the patient may have to stay in the hospital for a longer period.