Urethroscopy

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

Urethroscopy can be of two types: posterior and anterior. When holding the anterior, only the anterior part of the urethra is seen, using the posterior one, the entire urethra as a whole is examined. The technique of urethroscopic examination has a long history and roots goes back to the distant past, was in popular use among 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, the modern procedure of urethroscopy gives all the opportunities to recognize pathologies at the very beginning stage, and neutralize them at the stage of nucleation.

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

Indications for urethrocopy

Urethroscopy in most cases go in the direction, after a full-time examination of a urologist or a venereologist in the presence of any active disorders of the urination process, you should come to the reception with the results of the ultrasound examination of the inguinal area.

Indications for urethroscopy may include such diseases and disorders as:

• chronic diseases of the urethra,
• chronic urethitis,
• the presence in the urethra of foreign bodies,
• diverticula of the urethra,
• various neoplasms,
• the formation of tumors, cysts,
• stricture of the urethra,
• pathology in the zone of the seminal tubercle,
• nervous, under the influence of stress urinary incontinence in women.

Is it painful to do urethroscopy?

Initially, the method of conducting the urethroskopy was very painful and rather unpleasant, it caused great discomfort to both a woman and a man. Now, during new developments and the use of anesthesia, this procedure does not bring unpleasant sensations, it is important to simply relax. Go into the office, do not be nervous and be at peace with the fact that you will not feel the pain exactly.

How is the urethroscopy performed?

Most often, the procedure is performed at the doctor's office on an outpatient basis, but it is also possible, if necessary, in a hospital setting. Preliminary preparation of the patient does not require this procedure. The patient only needs to go to the toilet before the procedure and completely empty the bladder. Urethroscopy is performed in the position of the patient reclining on the gynecological chair. External genitals, as for surgery surgeons, are treated with iodine tincture. Antibiotic is introduced and local or general anesthesia is used (the choice depends on the general condition of the patient and its indices of compatibility with the anesthetic).

The urethroscope is treated with antiseptics, medical glycerin is applied on it, which helps a better introduction to the urethra, and facilitates the instrument. After the introduction into the canal, the examination of the posterior and smoothly moves to the anterior section, along the way one can see the presence of tumors, stones and various neoplasms. The doctor evaluates himself and looks at the condition of the mucous membranes of the urethra, if necessary, you can take a piece of tissue for histology, this action is performed with special forceps through the hole of the urethroscope. After the procedure, the antiseptic is treated with genitals, which prevents the possibility of catching the infection.

Urethroscopy in men

Urethroscopy in men can be performed on dry - oxygen fill the bladder, so the urethra does not deform and does not stretch. Dry method can be viewed as the front and back of the urethra. When hemophilia or other diseases associated with poor blood coagulation carried out on a dry method is not desirable, you can accidentally injure the mucous membrane, which will lead to bleeding.

There is also an irrigation study, when a special kind of fluid is filled in the urethra, than it is expanded. A more modern method, for which he received many positive reviews.

Urethroscopy in women

Women need to carry out urethroscopy if there are chronic diseases, with periodic inflammatory processes and with different neoplasms. Unlike men, the female urethra is shorter, and therefore it takes much less time for the procedure than for a man. This is also a negative factor, because the channel is shorter and infectious diseases, viruses of different kinds penetrate into the urethra can quickly and quickly reach the bladder. For this reason, women conduct a simultaneous examination, as well as the urethra, and the bladder itself, this method of examination - viewing cystoscopy. In women, the introduction of this device is not as difficult as that of men, which facilitates the work of the doctor-diagnostician and the patient.

Contraindications for urethrocopy

In fact, the study of urethroscopy has no special contraindications, but in no case does it need to undergo urethroscopy for people with uncontrolled urinary infection.

Urethroscopy has practically no contraindications, as it does not create serious side effects. During the procedure, no harmful substances are used, and therefore for the organism this process does not cause any harm. The only thing that is important to remember - do not abuse even such harmless procedures, because the body in any case is exposed, though minimal and insensible, but stressful.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

Complications of ureteroscopy

Urethroscopy is the safest and least invasive method for diagnosing the urinary canal. But, despite this, after the urethroscopy there may be some side effects.

Among the complications and side effects of urethrocopy, you can specify some:

• not strong and quickly passing pain when urinating;
• the possibility of infection;
• bleeding at the biopsy site;
• bleeding while injuring the urethra with a urethroscope (usually with a dry examination);

If you suddenly after the procedure there were such reactions as:

• presence of strong pains cutting and pricking;
• prolonged bleeding;
• fever;
• weakening the flow of urine from the canal,

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

[7], [8], [9], [10]

Reviews about urethroscopy

Urethroscopy is an informative method of diagnosis, which in some cases is simply necessary. The study gives a huge amount of information that positively affects the patient's treatment, the ability to assess the situation, and the result of the treatment. Gives the dynamics of recovery. The procedure in most people does not cause unpleasant consequences and positively affects their recovery. Yes, indisputably, the procedure is not the most pleasant, but the anesthetic will do its job and you will feel comfortable. Feedback about the procedure is 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 the tissue is taken for histology. In addition, the cost may vary depending on the clinic the procedure is conducted in and how much new equipment is used. The qualification of a doctor, his professional skills also often play a role in determining the cost. Also, the cost may or may not include anesthesia. The approximate price of a urethroscope varies between 200-1000 hryvnia.

[11], [12], [13], [14], [15]