Cystoscopy is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of the bladder and urinary tract. The spelling of this word is influenced by its Greek roots. Cysto- comes from the Greek word kystis, meaning bladder, while -scopy comes from skopos, meaning to look at. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /sɪˈstɒskəpi/. The stress is on the second syllable, which is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a "st" consonant cluster and a long "o" sound.
Cystoscopy is a medical diagnostic procedure used to examine and visualize the inside of the urinary bladder and urethra. It involves the use of a cystoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera attached to one end. The cystoscope is gently inserted into the urethra and moved up into the bladder.
During a cystoscopy, the doctor can visually inspect the interior lining of the bladder and urethra to identify any abnormalities or conditions that may be present. This procedure allows for the detection and diagnosis of various urological conditions, such as bladder stones, urinary tract infections, tumors, structural abnormalities, and inflammation.
Cystoscopy can be performed with different types of cystoscopes, including rigid cystoscopes and flexible cystoscopes. Rigid cystoscopes are typically used for men, while flexible cystoscopes are commonly used for women. In some cases, anesthesia may be administered to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
The images captured by the cystoscope are displayed on a monitor, allowing the doctor to visualize and evaluate the condition of the bladder and urethra. Additionally, small instruments can be passed through the cystoscope to perform certain procedures, such as taking biopsies, removing bladder stones, or treating small growths.
Cystoscopy is considered a safe and effective procedure, with minimal risks and complications. It is commonly performed in an outpatient setting and does not require an overnight hospital stay. After the procedure, patients may experience some mild discomfort or blood in the urine, but these symptoms typically resolve quickly.
The inspection of the interior of the bladder by means of a cystoscope.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cystoscopy" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words:
1. "Kystis" (κύστις) meaning "bladder"
2. "Scopos" (σκοπός) meaning "to see" or "to examine"
So, "cystoscopy" literally means "to visually examine the bladder".