Cystoscopy

A cystoscopy is an endoscopic procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera, called a cystoscope, is inserted into the urethra to examine the bladder and urinary tract. It is often used to diagnose and treat several medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and bladder cancer. Doctors may also perform a cystoscopy if patients experience bladder control issues, painful urination, pelvic pain, or bloody urine.

Beyond diagnosing and treating medical conditions, cystoscopies in Singapore are also used to:

Inject dye for procedures to track urine flow
Inject medication to prevent leaking urine
Obtain urine samples from the ureters
Collect tissue samples to perform a biopsy

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How is a cystoscopy performed in Singapore?

Before a cystoscopy procedure, patients will be required to go to the bathroom to empty their bladder. Afterwards, they will be asked to change into a surgical gown and to lie down on their backs on a treatment table with their feet positioned in stirrups.

Local, general, or regional anaesthesia will be administered to minimise discomfort. If patients are given local or general anaesthesia, the doctor will also administer sedatives to help them relax. An anaesthetic spray, or gel, will also be applied to the urethra to numb the area.

During a cystoscopy, the cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. This will allow your specialist to better visualise the inside of the bladder and urinary tract, which will be transmitted on a monitor in real-time. Doing so will also allow them to examine the bladder lining, identify any abnormalities, or take tissue samples to perform a biopsy. Moreover, doctors are also able to perform certain procedures, such as removing bladder stones or tumours.

What conditions can cystoscopies detect and diagnose?

Cystoscopies in Singapore can diagnose and even detect various conditions, including:

Bladder or urethral cancer
Bladder stones
Bladder control problems, such as leaking urineor urinary incontinence
Enlarged prostate due to benign prostatic hyperplasia
Interstitial cystitis
Urethral strictures
Urinary fistulas
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Collect tissue samples to perform a biopsy

What are some of the risks and complications associated with a cystoscopy?

Although cystoscopies are minimally invasive and carry low risks, some of the possible risks associated with the procedure are:

Allergic reactions to anaesthesia

Abnormal bleeding

Abdominal pain

Burning sensation while urinating

Injury to the bladder, urethra, or ureters

Urethral narrowing as a result of scar tissue formation

Meanwhile, seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms following a cystoscopy procedure:

Bright-coloured urine or blood traces in the urine

Burning sensation while urinating that lasts more than two days

Feeling like your bladder is full

Fever without chills

Inability to urinate

What results can I expect from a cystoscopy?

While the results of a cystoscopy are almost immediate, it may take up to two weeks for you to receive a conclusive result from a biopsy. Depending on the findings during a colonoscopy, you may receive:

A negative result:a negative result indicates that there are no abnormalities in the bladder or the urinary tract. It also indicates that the bladder and urinary tract are healthy.
A positive result:a positive result indicates abnormalities such as tumours, ulcers, inflammation, or structural issues. Some of the common structural issues are blockages, abnormal tissue growths, or narrowing of the urethra. Additionally, positive results typically require further evaluation or treatment.
Biopsy result:a negative result would indicate non-cancerous cells, while a positive result would confirm the presence of cancerous cells in the bladder or urinary tract.

How many cystoscopies are needed?

Cystoscopies in Singapore are recommended as part of screening for bladder cancer. However, the frequency varies depending on individual risk factors, the family's medical history, and underlying medical conditions. But generally, recommendations for the frequency of cystoscopies are as follows:

A patient who is categorised as low-risk for bladder cancer is encouraged to undergo a routine cystoscopy once every decade.
A patient who is categorised as having a moderate risk for bladder cancer is encouraged to undergo a cystoscopy once every five years.
A patient who is categorised as high-risk for bladder cancer is encouraged to undergo a cystoscopy either once every three months, once every six months, or once every year, depending on the severity of the risk factors.

Frequently asked questions

Is a cystoscopy painful?

Cystoscopies can be mildly uncomfortable, as the sensation is likened to the urge to urinate.

How long does a cystoscopy take?

The entire procedure takes between 15 to 30 minutes without complications.

Can I eat before a cystoscopy?

No, you must fast at least 8 hours before the procedure.

How should I prepare for a cystoscopy?

Aside from fasting for 8 hours, you will also be asked to stop taking medications before the procedure, as well as to provide a pee sample to test for UTIs.

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