cystoscope

medical instrument

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

A cystoscope is a rigid endoscope used in medicine. It allows healthcare professionals to visually inspect the urethra and bladder. This instrument can also be used to pass other medical instruments into these organs.1

Cystoscopes play a role in diagnosing conditions like bladder cancer. They can be used to examine the bladder directly, often in conjunction with urine sample analysis and imaging techniques such as CT or MRI scans. The term "cystoscopic" refers to something related to the use of a cystoscope, and "cystoscopy" is the procedure itself.21

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bladder cancer
Diagnosis
…a flexible tube called a cystoscope. The cystoscope is also used to take biopsy samples from the bladder or urethra for laboratory analysis. An X-ray imaging procedure called intravenous pyelography, in which an injectable dye travels into the urinary tract and enhances X-ray image contrast, may also be used; abnormalities…
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…a flexible tube called a cystoscope. The cystoscope is also used to take biopsy samples from the bladder or urethra for laboratory analysis. An X-ray imaging procedure called intravenous pyelography, in which an injectable dye travels into the urinary tract and enhances X-ray image contrast, may also be used; abnormalities…
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cystitis
Chronic cystitis
…special viewing instrument called a cystoscope. Since there is no cure for chronic cystitis, treatment focuses on alleviation of pain and discomfort. In severe cases surgical procedures may be necessary.
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…special viewing instrument called a cystoscope. Since there is no cure for chronic cystitis, treatment focuses on alleviation of pain and discomfort. In severe cases surgical procedures may be necessary.
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endoscopy
The cystoscope, a lighted rod, is passed through the urethra for examination of the bladder with local, spinal, or general anesthesia. Today these procedures are generally accompanied by the use of camera or video technology in order to collect images of the tissues being examined. In…
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The cystoscope, a lighted rod, is passed through the urethra for examination of the bladder with local, spinal, or general anesthesia. Today these procedures are generally accompanied by the use of camera or video technology in order to collect images of the tissues being examined. In…
Read More

urology
…urologist Max Nitze developed the cystoscope. The cystoscope is a tubelike viewing instrument equipped with an electric light on its end. By introducing the instrument through the urethra, the urologist is able to view the interior of the bladder. The first decades of the early 20th century witnessed the introduction…
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…urologist Max Nitze developed the cystoscope. The cystoscope is a tubelike viewing instrument equipped with an electric light on its end. By introducing the instrument through the urethra, the urologist is able to view the interior of the bladder. The first decades of the early 20th century witnessed the introduction…
Read More