Cystoscopy is a test to look at the inner lining of the bladder
and the tube from the bladder to the outside of the body (urethra). The
cystoscope is a thin, lighted viewing tool that is put into the urethra and
moved into the bladder.
A cystoscopy can check for stones, tumors,
bleeding, and infection. Cystoscopy can see areas of the bladder and urethra
that usually do not show up well on X-rays. Tiny surgical instruments can be
put through the cystoscope to remove samples of tissue (biopsy) or samples of
urine.
Cystoscopy also can be used to treat some bladder
problems, such as removing small bladder stones and some small growths.