The Experience of Modified Flexible Cystoscopy in Male Patients

Park, Sung Chul; Kim, Sun Il; Lee, Tchun Yong

Abstract

PURPOSE: A flexible cystoscopic examination is well tolerated compared to a rigid cystoscopic examination in male patients. A modified flexible cystoscope was designed, and its discomfort and efficacy evaluated compared with a rigid cystoscope.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
104 patients underwent a cystoscopic examination, of which 37 underwent both rigid and modified flexible cystoscopic examinations, and 37 and 30 only a modified flexible cystoscopic or rigid cystoscopic examination, respectively. An observer visual analog pain scale was applied after the procedure, and the rating of discomfort recorded.
RESULTS
In the group that underwent both examination types, the mean pain scores were 1.8 and 6.4 after the modified flexible cystoscopic and rigid cystoscopic examinations, respectively (p<0.001). In the individual cystoscopic groups, the mean pain scores were 2.6 and 6.0 after the modified flexible and rigid cystoscopic examinations, respectively (p<0.001). The vision of modified flexible and rigid cystoscopes was the same.
CONCLUSIONS
A modified flexible cystoscopic examination was well tolerated by patients, and can be routinely used in place of the rigid counterpart for follow-up of bladder tumors and as a diagnostic procedure for a gross hematuria. Some modifications, such as a more ample working channel and an integral video camera, will be needed.