What is an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a non-invasive procedure that allows doctors to visually inspect internal organs without the need for a major incision. By using an endoscope, the doctor can view real-time images on a screen in the operating room, providing a detailed examination.

When is an endoscopy indicated?

Endoscopy enables your doctor to visually examine internal organs without the need for extensive incisions. By utilising a screen in the operating room, the doctor obtains a real-time view of what the endoscope observes.

Typically, endoscopy serves the following purposes:

• Aiding in determining the root cause of atypical symptoms.
• Conducting an endoscopic biopsy involving the removal of a small tissue sample for further laboratory analysis.
• Facilitating visualisation during surgical procedures like stomach ulcer repair, gallstone or tumour removal.

Issues affecting the urinary tract can be both painful and disruptive to your daily life. If you are experiencing urinary tract problems, your urologist may recommend a urologic endoscopy to aid in the diagnosis.

Urologic endoscopy consists of two main types:

• Cystoscopy: In this procedure, a camera attached to a long tube is utilised to examine the urethra and bladder.
• Ureteroscopy: This procedure involves using a camera attached to a longer tube to visualise the kidneys and ureters, which are the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder.

These endoscopic procedures are typically brief, lasting less than an hour. Common reasons for undergoing cystoscopy or ureteroscopy include:

• Frequent urination throughout the day
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Presence of blood in the urine
• Urgency to urinate
• Pain during urination
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Urine leakage
• Screening for cancer

What does an endoscopy entail?

Cystoscopy is usually performed in the doctor's office under local anaesthesia, while ureteroscopy often requires general anaesthesia.

During the procedures, the urologist will examine the urinary tract for abnormalities such as cancer or tumours, polyps, stones, narrowed urethra, or inflammation. Depending on the findings, the doctor may also take tissue samples, remove polyps or tumours, address urinary tract stones, administer medication to treat specific areas, or insert a stent.

If a stent is placed during ureteroscopy, a separate procedure will be needed for its removal. Following cystoscopy or ureteroscopy, you may experience some discomfort during urination and notice blood in your urine. Increased frequency of urination may also occur temporarily.