Features of the urethroscopy in men

Urethroscopy is a minimally invasive examination of the urethral divisions. Despite the informative nature of this procedure, it is not widely used in the daily practice of urologists. It's all about the difficulties of conducting a survey and the need for the medical staff to have knowledge and skills.

Cystoscope is a tubular instrument consisting of a lens system and illumination at the end for inspection of the internal surface of the bladder

In modern medical practice, two types of urethroscopy are common: anterior and posterior. Accordingly, for examination of the anterior and posterior parts of the urethra. Hardware directly depends on who is shown the study: male urethroscopes are longer and have a smaller diameter, which is due to the characteristics of the body. What do you need to know about such a difficult but effective procedure?

Indications for

Urethroscopy is by no means the first study to be used by physicians. First of all, the patient undergoes a full-time examination from a venereologist or urologist. Then, ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is mandatory. Urethroscopy is necessary to detect any irregularities in the process of emptying the bladder, if it is suspected that the problem is localized in the urethra. What conditions require urethroscopy?

• Urinary incontinence. More often with this problem there are representatives of the weaker sex.
• Suspicions for inflammation of the urethra in the chronic phase.
• Colliculitis( inflammation of the seminal tubercle).
• Foreign bodies in the urethra.
• Tumors, cysts, other volumetric formations of the urethra.
• Diverticula.
• Strictures of the urethra. In this case, there is simply no alternative to urethroscopy. Injuries of the urethra.
• Stones in the urethra.

Contraindications

Urethroscopy is considered a relatively safe examination. However, there are contraindications.

• In the first place, the study is contraindicated in persons suffering from urinary tract infections. By promoting the urethroscope along the urethra, the endoscopist involuntarily helps to transport the pathogenic microflora along the ascending path to the bladder. Acute inflammation of the urethra( urethritis).

Preparation for the procedure

The procedure for urethroscopy is not significantly dangerous for health, so special training is not required. On the eve of the patient is recommended to conduct hygiene of the external genitalia. Immediately before the urethroscope itself, it is necessary to empty the bladder so that during the examination the urine is not evacuated from the body.

Even before the examination, it is worth discussing with the doctor the possibility of taking pharmaceuticals. Some medications can distort the picture and the results of the study. This includes insulin, acetylsalicylic acid. It is not necessary to completely abandon these drugs, however, dosage adjustment will be required. A significant role is played by the patient's psychological attitude and his attitude towards the survey. To relieve anxiety, you can take light sedatives on the basis of plant components: valerian, chamomile.

In addition to the diagnostic value, urethroscopy in men can also be used for therapeutic purposes: for the administration of medicinal substances to certain areas of the urethra, for lubricating or burning them

Conducting

Urethroscopy is performed on an outpatient basis. If the study is appointed in the context of inpatient treatment, then in a hospital. Immediately before the procedure, the genitals are treated with a weak tincture of iodine and an antiseptic solution. Depending on the health status and age of the patient, local anesthesia is performed. Or the patient is put in a state of anesthesia.

Flexible urethroscopy probe is also treated with a solution of antiseptic and smeared with glycerin or vaseline. This reduces friction and simplifies the entry of the urethroscope into the anatomical structure of the urethra.

Slowly moving the endoscopist inserts the probe into the urethra and examines the mucous membranes. If necessary, a material can be sampled for histological examination( biopsy) during the examination. At the end of the procedure, the external genitalia are treated again with an antiseptic.

Is it painful for urethroscopy?

In patients who are shown the passage of the described study, the question arises: does this hurt ?The answer is not so simple. Much depends on the patient's sex, his susceptibility to pain and the skills of the endoscopist. In women, the procedure passes without any special discomfort, since the urethra is of short length. Also, the female urethra has no physiological curves. Unpleasant sensations completely come to naught due to anesthesia.

Completely another matter urethroscopy in men .In general, even despite anesthesia, it is a painful procedure, since the male urethra is longer and has several physiological curves. However, it can not be said that the pain is unbearable. In this case, you should suffer discomfort: so the patient will be able to maintain his health. This is clearly worth it. Fortunately, the examination of the urethra lasts no longer than 10 minutes.

Possible complications of

All complications can be divided into non-hazardous transient and those that require correction by a specialist.

Non-hazardous:

• Minor bleeding from the urethra. Due to mechanical damage to the walls of the urethra.
  

  If there is a significant amount of blood in the urine, and acute pain when urinating, immediately consult a doctor!

• Painful sensations. Pass themselves after several hours or days.

Dangerous complications requiring medical advice:

• Infection with characteristic signs: burning with urination, pain, discharge from the urethra.
• Increased body temperature( hyperthermia).
• Bleeding that does not stop for an hour or more.
• Weakening the pressure of urine.
• Intensive pain in the area of ​​the urethra.

In such cases, you can not delay. It is necessary to urgently address to the doctor.

Urethroscopy is a minimally invasive, modern and, most importantly, informative method of investigation. Doctors rarely resort to it. Therefore, if this manipulation is prescribed, the patient can not doubt: the grounds for that are and probably are weighty. To be afraid of urethroscopy should not: yes, indeed, the procedure involves discomfort, but it does not last long, besides, health is more expensive.

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