Cystourethroscopy with the direct view contact endoscope

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Instrumentation

Background:

• Hysteroscopy instruments are typically used for intrauterine procedures.
• Cystourethroscopy requires specialized equipment for visualizing the lower urinary tract.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of a hysteroscopy instrument for cystourethroscopy.
• To identify the advantages and limitations of using this dual-purpose instrument.

Main Methods:

• A hysteroscopy instrument was adapted for cystourethroscopic examinations.
• The instrument's performance was assessed based on visualization quality and ease of use.

Main Results:

• The instrument effectively visualizes the urethra, bladder neck, and trigone.
• It operates using ambient room light and requires no external viewing medium (water or gas).
• The procedure is suitable for an office setting and can serve as a surgical adjunct.

Conclusions:

• A hysteroscopy instrument can be effectively repurposed for cystourethroscopy.
• Its advantages include simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use in an office environment.
• Experienced operators can mitigate limitations, such as the lack of a panoramic view, to ensure safe and effective procedures.