Cystoscopy is the cornerstone examination for the diagnosis of bladder carcinoma: it enables detection of the tumour followed by as extensive resection as possible.
The use of optic fiber cystoscopes enables repeated cystoscopies for monitoring: their smaller diameter and their flexibility avoid general anaesthesia for men, whose urethra is incurved and rigid inside the prostate.
Rigid cystoscopy may be used for women, whose urethra is shorter and straighter. For men, rigid cystoscopy is reserved for complicated examinations under anaesthesia.
Tumour endoscopic resection involves the use of a specific rigid cystoscope with a specific resector.
Here are few cystoscopy images: