Urology is a branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and surgical and conservative treatment of diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems.

List of diseases falling within the scope of the urologist's activities:

• Cancers of the urinary system (kidney, bladder, prostate, testicles and others)
• Urolithiasis
• Urinary tract infections in women and men
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate)
• Phimosis
• Testicular hydrocele
• Male fertility disorders, varicocele
• Urinary incontinence in women
• Functional disorders of the urinary system

We perform treatments:

• cystoscopy
• surgical treatment of phimosis
• frenulum plasty

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is a type of endoscopic examination of the bladder. This is an invasive method that involves inserting a special speculum called a cystoscope through the urethra.

Indication cystoscopy

The examination allows the doctor to check whether the urethra is patent, what condition is the mucous membrane of the bladder and whether anything is blocking the bladder outlet of the ureters. During a cystoscopy, it is possible to biopsy the bladder, remove some tumors, crush and remove stones in the bladder.

The indications for the examination are disturbing symptoms in the lower urinary tract, including:

• frequent infections
• hematuria
• urinary fistula
• suspected bladder stones
• suspected bladder tuberculosis
• suspected bladder injury
• suspected bladder cancer/ bladder infiltration by cancer from neighboring organs
• suspected interstitial cystitis
• malformations of the lower urinary tract (e.g. accessory ureters, retrograde urinary outflow, bladder diverticula)
• the need to diagnose foreign bodies in the bladder.

What does cystoscopy look like?

Before the procedure, a gel is introduced into the urethra, which has a sliding and anesthetic effect. The external opening of the urethra is disinfected and the doctor inserts a cystoscope into the urethra. The bladder is filled with sterile water or saline so that its walls tighten well. Thanks to this, the urologist has a better picture of the examined organ.

The test can be performed using a flexible cystoscope when it is necessary to detect the cause of urinary symptoms, such as hematuria. A rigid cystoscope is helpful in diagnosing stones, tumors or other pathological changes and the need to remove them.
Many people wonder if a cystoscopy hurts. The examination performed under local anesthesia is not very unpleasant, and the main feeling is the urge to urinate and a burning sensation in the area of the urethra.

Cystoscopy preparation for examination

Cystoscopy does not require any special prior preparation of the patient. If the subject has a tendency to recurrent urinary tract infections, the doctor may order him to take antibacterial drugs a few days before the examination.

Cystoscopy complications

Urinary urgency, a burning sensation in the urethra, and mild hematuria for one or two days after cystoscopy are normal symptoms. More serious complications include urinary retention in men, which requires a temporary catheter and medication. The doctor should also be notified if there are blood clots in the urine, the patient has a fever, and pain is felt in the abdomen, lower back and when urinating. Less commonly, damage to the urethral wall and perforation of the bladder wall occur. To reduce the risk of complications, the patient receives antibacterial drugs for a few days after the cystoscopy, and must also drink more fluids than usual.