Urethroscopy

Urethroscopy is one of the methods for examining the urethra and performing some medical manipulations (examination of the urethra) using an optical device - a urethroscope.

There are two types of urethroscopy: posterior and anterior. When conducting anterior, only the anterior section of the urethra is visible, using posterior, the entire urethra is examined as a whole. The technique of urethroscopic examination has a long history and roots in the distant past, was popularly used by venereologists and urologists. It is safe and very effective, but with today's development of medicine, this method is practically not used in routine practice. Nevertheless, modern conduct of the urethroscopy procedure gives all the opportunities to recognize pathologies at the very initial stage, and neutralize them at the stage of inception.

There are urethroscopes of two systems: a urethroscope with central lighting and a lamp and an irrigation urethroscope. In addition, there are urethroscopes for male and female use. A urethroscope for male use has a longer length - 30-40 cm, for women - 15 centimeters, which is acceptable for the characteristics of the body.

Indications for urethroscopy

In most cases, urethroscopy is performed by referral, after an in-person examination by a urologist or venereologist in the presence of any active disorders of the urination process; you need to come to the appointment with the results of an ultrasound examination of the groin area.

Indications for urethroscopy may include diseases and disorders such as:

• chronic diseases of the urethra,
• chronic urethitis,
• the presence of foreign bodies in the urethra,
• urethral diverticula,
• various neoplasms,
• formation of tumors, cysts,
• urethral strictures,
• pathologies in the area of the seminal tubercle,
• nervous, stress-induced urinary incontinence in women.

Is it painful to have a urethroscopy?

Initially, the method of conducting urethroscopy was very painful and quite unpleasant, it caused great discomfort to both women and men. Now, with new developments and the use of anesthesia, this procedure does not entail unpleasant sensations, it is important to just relax. When you enter the office, do not be nervous and be calm about the fact that you will definitely not feel pain.

How is urethroscopy performed?

Most often, the procedure is performed at a doctor's appointment on an outpatient basis, but it is also possible, if necessary, in a hospital setting. This procedure does not require preliminary preparation of the patient. The patient only needs to go to the toilet and completely empty the bladder before the procedure. Urethroscopy is performed with the patient in a semi-recumbent position on a gynecological chair. The external genitalia, as for surgical intervention, are treated with iodine tincture. An antibiotic is administered and local or general anesthesia is used (the choice depends on the general condition of the patient and his or her compatibility with the anesthetic).

The urethroscope is treated with antiseptics, medical glycerin is applied to it, which helps better insertion into the urethra and facilitates the passage of the instrument. After insertion into the canal, the posterior section is examined and smoothly moved to the anterior section, along the way the presence of tumors, stones and various neoplasms is observed. The doctor evaluates and examines the condition of the mucous membranes of the urethra, if necessary, a piece of tissue can be taken for histology, this action is performed with special forceps through the opening of the urethroscope. After the procedure, the genitals are treated with an antiseptic, which prevents the possibility of catching an infection.

Ureteroscopy in men

Urethroscopy in men can be performed dry - the bladder is filled with oxygen, so the urethra is not deformed or stretched. The dry method can be used to examine both the front and back of the urethra. In hemophilia or other diseases associated with poor blood clotting, it is not advisable to perform the dry method, as you can accidentally injure the mucous membrane, which will lead to bleeding.

There is also an irrigation study, when the urethra is filled with a special kind of liquid, which expands it. A more modern method, for which it has received many positive reviews.

Ureteroscopy in women

Women need to undergo urethroscopy if they have chronic diseases, with periodic inflammatory processes and in the presence of various neoplasms. Unlike men, the female urethra is shorter, and therefore the procedure takes much less time than a man. This is also a negative factor, because the channel is shorter and infectious diseases, viruses of various types can penetrate the urethra faster and quickly reach the bladder. For this reason, women undergo a simultaneous examination of both the urethra and the bladder itself, this examination method is viewing cystoscopy. In women, the introduction of this device is not as difficult as in men, which makes the work of the diagnostician and the patient easier.

Contraindications to urethroscopy

In fact, urethroscopy examination has no special contraindications, but in no case should people with uncontrolled urinary tract infection undergo urethroscopy.

Urethroscopy has virtually no contraindications, as it does not create serious side effects. No harmful substances are used during the procedure, and therefore this process does not cause any harm to the body. The only thing that is important to remember is that you should not abuse even such harmless procedures, as the body is in any case exposed to stress, albeit minimal and imperceptible.

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Complications of urethroscopy

Ureteroscopy is the safest and minimally invasive method of diagnosing the urinary canal. However, despite this, some side effects may occur after ureteroscopy.

Among the complications and side effects of urethroscopy, some can be mentioned:

• mild and quickly passing pain during urination;
• possibility of infection;
• bleeding at the biopsy site;
• bleeding due to trauma to the urethra with a urethroscope (more often during a dry examination);

If after the procedure you suddenly experience reactions such as:

• the presence of severe pain of a cutting and stabbing nature;
• prolonged bleeding;
• fever;
• weakening of urine flow from the canal,

It is necessary, as far as possible, to seek help from a specialist doctor as quickly as possible. Because the consequences can be disastrous.

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Reviews of urethroscopy

Urethroscopy is an informative diagnostic method, which in some cases is simply necessary. The study provides a huge amount of information, which has a positive effect on the patient's treatment, the ability to assess the situation, and the result of the treatment. Allows you to observe the dynamics of recovery. The procedure does not cause unpleasant consequences for most people and has a positive effect on their health. Yes, of course, the procedure is not the most pleasant, but the anesthetic will do its job and you will feel comfortable. Reviews of the procedure are negative only in relation to the process itself, but no one complains about the results that the procedure gives.

Cost of urethroscopy

The cost of urethroscopy varies depending on whether it is dry or not, an examination, or tissue is taken for histology. In addition, the cost may differ depending on which clinic the procedure is performed in and how new the equipment is. The doctor's qualifications and professional skills also often play a role in determining the cost. Also, the cost may or may not include anesthesia. The approximate cost of urethroscopy ranges between 200-1000 hryvnia.

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