Cystoscopy or cystourethroscopy is a surgical procedure used to examine the bladder and the urethra. It allows for direct visualization of the urethra, urethral sphincter, prostate, bladder, and ureteral orifices. It facilitates the diagnosis of the causes of bleeding or blockage or any abnormalities of the bladder and its lining.
A cystoscope is a long, thin optical instrument with an eyepiece at one end, a rigid or flexible tube in the middle, and a tiny lens and light at the other end of the tube. Looking through the cystoscope, the urologist can see detailed images of the lining of the urethra and bladder.