Cystoscopy in Turkey, Prices of Istanbul Clinics 2024

Anatomy of the bladder and urethra

The bladder and urethra form an ingenious system for eliminating our body's liquid waste.

• The bladder: A hollow muscular organ located in the lower abdomen, the bladder acts as a reservoir for urine produced by the kidneys. Its lining, which is lined with a protective mucous membrane, allows it to adapt to varying amounts of fluid.
• The urethra: The excretory duct that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Its anatomy differs according to sex: in men it passes through the prostate and the penis, while in women it is shorter and opens into the vulva.

Together, these two organs play an essential role in our body's homeostasis.

Cystoscopy: The reference examination for bladder exploration

Cystoscopy is an endoscopic examination that allows direct visualization of the bladder mucosa and urethra. This examination is widely used in the diagnosis and follow-up of urological pathologies such as:

• Hematuria (blood in the urine).
• Recurrent urinary tract infections.
• Dysuria (difficulty passing urine).
• Pollakiuria (increased urinary frequency).

In Turkey, cystoscopy is indicated for :

• Etiological diagnosis of low urinary tract symptoms.
• Monitoring bladder tumors.
• Detection of stones or foreign bodies.
• Biopsy for histologic confirmation.

Cystoscopy is a simple, quick examination that provides invaluable information for therapeutic management.

Cystoscopy procedure in Turkey

Before the procedure, a urine sample is taken to check for infection.

In some cases, it may be necessary to fast for a few hours, especially in children or if general anesthesia is planned.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Positioning: You will be placed on an examination table as if for a gynecological exam.
2. Local anesthesia: The entrance to the urethra is numbed to reduce discomfort.
3. Introduction of the endoscope: An endoscope, a thin instrument with a light and camera, is gently inserted into the urethra and then into the bladder.
4. Visualization: The endoscope allows your urologist to examine the walls of your bladder in detail on a screen.
5. Biopsy (if necessary): If an abnormality is found, a small amount of tissue may be removed for further examination.

The sensation you experience during a cystoscopy depends in part on your gender. In women, the procedure is generally a pleasant experience due to the simplicity of the anatomy. In men, the length and curvature of the urethra can make the procedure a little more uncomfortable, although local anesthesia greatly reduces the sensation.

After the exam

At the end of the exam, the scope will be gently removed. You can then get dressed and rest. It is normal to feel

• Slight discomfort: a burning sensation or pressure in the urethra may last for a few hours.
• Frequent urination: this is due to the insertion of the instrument and the local anesthetic.
• Small traces of blood in the urine: this bleeding is minimal and usually disappears quickly.

These symptoms are temporary and should not cause you any concern. Your urologist will contact you in the next few days with the detailed results of the examination and, if necessary, discuss the next steps with you.

Recovering and returning to normal

You can usually return to your normal activities within a few hours of the cystoscopy. Although rare, complications can occur after a cystoscopy. The most common complication is urinary tract infection. It is important to report any signs of infection (fever, abdominal pain, cloudy urine, etc.) to your doctor.

Drink plenty of fluids to help with healing. Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 24 to 48 hours. 

Follow your urologist's advice regarding medications, activities to avoid, and follow-up examinations.