Endoscopic Surgery

Endoscopic surgery can be performed to investigate urological symptoms or to treat certain conditions affecting the urinary tract or bladder. Endoscopy is a safe, straightforward procedure that can be very helpful for both diagnosis and treatment.

What is Endoscopic Surgery?

Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a special camera called an endoscope to look inside the body. Endoscopy can be used to diagnose certain conditions or while performing simple surgical procedures. The endoscope is a flexible tube with a small light and camera on the end of it. Different types of endoscope can be used to investigate different parts of the body. The endoscope can be inserted through the mouth to explore the upper gastrointestinal tract, through the anus to check on the intestines, or into the urethra to look at the urinary tract and bladder. The type of endoscope used by urologists is known as a cytoscope. The cytoscope is inserted into the urethra and passed up into the bladder.

When is Endoscopic Surgery Performed?

An endoscopy or cytoscopy can be performed to investigate symptoms or perform certain procedures inside the urinary tract or bladder. Common reasons for performing urological endoscopy are to investigate the cause of symptoms such as blood in the urine or frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). The procedure can also be performed to take a sample from a growth so that it can be tested for conditions such as bladder cancer. Endoscopic surgery can also be performed to remove small growths or to treat bladder or kidney stones.

What Happens During Cytoscopic Surgery?

Endoscopic surgery doesn't require any incisions to be made as the camera and instruments will be inserted through the urethra. Children will usually be given a general anaesthetic so that they will sleep through the procedure. A small endoscope can then be inserted and guided along the urinary tract and into the bladder. The pictures from the camera will be sent back along the endoscope tube and shown on a screen so that the doctor can see everything immediately. Special endoscopic instruments can then be used to perform any procedures that are required. Material may need to be removed for testing or ultrasound may be used to break up large kidney or bladder stones so that they can be expelled from the body.

Risks and Benefits of Cytoscopic Surgery

Endoscopic surgery is very safe as there is no need to make any incisions in the body. Children will recover quickly from the procedure, but there can be some minor side effects such as bleeding after a biopsy or needing antibiotics to treat a UTI. Serious complications are very rare, but there is a small risk of a bad reaction to the anaesthetic or damage to the urinary tract or bladder. The general anaesthetic will also make children feel groggy for a while after the operation.

If your doctor has recommended endoscopic surgery then you will have a chance to discuss the risks and benefits in detail before the procedure. The doctor will also ensure that you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after the operation.