What is a Cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a medical procedure where a urology healthcare professional uses a thin, tube-like telescope called a cystoscope to look directly into the bladder for a close examination of the lining. This procedure is used to help find the cause of symptoms and to treat or monitor conditions.

If during a cystoscopy any abnormal growths or suspicious areas are seen, the doctor may remove tissue samples (biopsy) and send them to the laboratory.

A cystoscopy can be done while you are asleep under anesthesia or while you are awake with moderate sedation and/or pain management. Be sure to follow your healthcare professional’s instructions about whether you should fast before your procedure and how you should handle any medications you take. 

Two types of cystoscopy

Today there are two types of cystoscopy: white light and blue light. For a long time, the only type available was white light. Recent technological advancements have introduced blue light as an enhancement to using white light alone.

White Light Cystoscopy:

During a cystoscopy procedure, the cystoscope shines light inside the bladder to aid in visibility. In a standard procedure, the light is regular white light—the type we all use every day to light a room.

White light helps your doctor visually assess the general health of your bladder and find irregularities to be further evaluated.

Blue Light Cystoscopy:

During a cystoscopy where blue light technology and Cysview are available, they are used in concert with white light. The urologist first views the bladder with white light, then switches to blue light to see the bright pink tissue areas that Cysview has caused to fluoresce. The doctor then switches between white and blue light to perform whatever procedures are necessary.

With the FDA approval of Cysview in 2010, several health facilities began offering the advanced Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview drug/device technology. Over the years, more and more facilities have followed suit.

Due to evidence of its effectiveness being seen in case after case, Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview was included in the 2016 AUA/SUO NMIBC Guideline (Amended 2020) released by the American Urological Association (AUA) and the Society of Urological Oncology (SUO). The Guideline recommendation is for increasing the detection and reducing recurrence of NMIBC. With this industry endorsement, even more urologists have begun enhancing their standard white light cystoscopy procedures by adding blue light and Cysview to the process.

With a standard cystoscopy procedure, your doctor can see some indicators of cancer under white light. With the addition of blue light and Cysview, the procedure offers significantly improved detection of suspicious areas compared to white light.1

After a cystoscopy

  • It’s a good idea to drink plenty of fluids after any cystoscopy.
  • Follow your discharge instructions carefully.
  • Be sure to contact your physician’s office with any issues or concerns.

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