Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is a procedure in which a thin instrument with a light at the tip (a

cystoscope

) is inserted into the

urethra

. The cytoscope enables examination of the inner surfaces of the urinary tract, specifically the

bladder

and

urethra

. Many cystoscopes have extra tubes to guide instruments for procedures to treat urinary problems. Cystoscopy may be carried out for a range of urinary tract problems, including such things as frequent

urinary tract infections

; blood in the urine; loss of bladder control;

urinary blockage

or narrowing of the urinary tract; an unusual growth,

polyp

or

tumour

; and a stone in the urinary tract. A

Urologist

will perform a cystoscopy.