The Experience of Modified Flexible Cystoscopy in Male Patients / 대한비뇨기과학회지

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.