Urethroscopy

What Is a Urethroscopy?

A urethroscopy is a diagnostic procedure that examines the urinary system through a special telescope.  During this procedure, the surgeon can implement corrective measures by widening narrow sections, removing stones, and burning away diseased tissues.   

The patient receives either general or spinal anesthesia prior to the urethroscopy.  A purely diagnostic procedure may only require local anesthesia in the form of anesthetic jelly flushed down the urethra.  Once the patient is ready, the surgeon passes a narrow tube through the penis or vagina and into the bladder.  A telescope and various instruments can pass down this tube for use in examining the bladder, taking biopsies, or applying corrective measures.  When the urethroscopy is over, the surgeon removes the instruments and the tube and, if necessary, inserts a catheter into the bladder to help it drain freely.  The catheter remains in place until the patient’s urine is clear.