Urogynecologic Cystoscopy

Pelvic health issues impacting the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) sometimes need a closer look. Experts at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health use cystoscopy to perform in-depth evaluations. This minimally invasive procedure provides valuable information about your symptoms, ensuring you receive excellent care.

Our board-certified urogynecologists perform cystoscopy with the highest degree of precision. They have completed rigorous training in assessing complex pelvic health issues using cystoscopy and other techniques. Many have decades of experience, and some are nationally renowned. Meet our team.

Highlights of our program include: 

• High volume: As one of the busiest pelvic floor programs in the Puget Sound region and beyond, we routinely perform cystoscopy. Our depth of experience leads to thorough exams that catch subtle irregularities that can be easy to miss. We complete procedures in less time while maintaining an excellent safety record. 

• Convenience: We often perform cystoscopy as an in-office procedure. Urogynecologists carry out the test and immediately provide you with the results. This method leads to a quicker diagnosis so that you can start treatment sooner.

• Evidence-based methods: Our team is improving the cystoscopy patient experience based on research and patient input. We have discovered insights and process changes that make procedures more efficient and patient-centered. We share findings from studies through publications and speaking engagements.

• Seamless care: Urogynecologists are part of our multidisciplinary approach to pelvic health concerns. We frequently collaborate with other specialists, including gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons, for issues affecting the anus and rectum. Our extended team includes gynecologists, urologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists and other providers. We coordinate the services you need, enabling you to make steady progress toward treatment goals.

This procedure uses a cystoscope to assess the inside of the bladder and nearby structures. This slender, tube-shaped instrument has a camera and light at the tip. It’s inserted through the urethra, so there are no incisions involved. Your urethra is the tube that urine passes through as it exits your body. We may also use cystoscopy to take tissue samples or deliver treatments.

We may recommend a cystoscopy procedure if you’re experiencing issues such as: 

• Bladder or urethra (pelvic organ) prolapse
• Fistulas (unnatural connections between organs) affecting the bladder
• Overactive bladder
• Painful urination
• Urethra narrowing
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary retention

We evaluate the walls of the urethra and inside of the bladder to determine what’s causing your symptoms. Urogynecologists may check for infection, narrowing or bleeding. We also use cystoscopy to evaluate potential complications of previous pelvic surgeries. You may have scarring that restricts natural movement or surgical mesh irritating nearby organs.

You’re typically awake for a diagnostic cystoscopy. We use a numbing gel to keep you comfortable during the procedure.

In addition to cystoscopy, we may need to perform other tests to confirm or rule out what’s causing your symptoms. Find out more about diagnostic testing for pelvic floor disorders.

We often use cystoscopy to treat lower urinary tract issues. This approach may help you get lasting relief without a surgical procedure. This type of cystoscopy is more likely to be performed in the operating room under sedation or anesthesia.

Our areas of expertise include: 

• Delivering incontinence injections: Your care may include botulinum toxin for urge incontinence. For stress incontinence, we apply urethral bulking agents. These substances thicken urethra walls, helping them seal tightly.
• Placing urethral stents: These implantable tubes widen narrowing (strictures) in the urethra. In some cases, we use cystoscopy to remove stents that are temporary or irritating nearby tissue.
• Repairing fistulas: We eliminate abnormal connections to nearby organs, remove damaged tissue and use healthy tissue to seal the opening.

Our multidisciplinary team cares for patients across the Puget Sound area and beyond. Find a pelvic health specialist.