Urethroscopy in Kharkiv — Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Urethral Examination
Urethroscopy is an endoscopic examination of the urinary canal (urethra) performed using a specialized instrument called a urethroscope. This modern diagnostic and therapeutic procedure allows for the direct visualization of the urethral lumen and walls, ensuring precise diagnosis and treatment of various urethral disorders with minimal patient discomfort. At Brigid Medical Center, we perform urethroscopy using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure maximum safety and efficacy.
Key Benefits of Urethroscopy at Our Center
Direct Visualization
Real-time examination of the urethral mucosa to detect strictures, tumors, and inflammatory processes.
High Diagnostic Accuracy
Precise diagnosis of urethral diseases with the ability to perform biopsies for histopathological analysis.
Therapeutic Capabilities
Simultaneous diagnosis and treatment: stricture dilation, stone removal, and tumor resection.
Patient Comfort
Performed under local, spinal, or general anesthesia depending on individual patient needs.
Rapid Procedure
Diagnostic urethroscopy takes 10–20 minutes; therapeutic interventions take 20–40 minutes.
Minimally Invasive
An outpatient procedure with minimal tissue trauma and a rapid recovery period.
What is Urethroscopy?
Urethroscopy is a specialized endoscopic procedure that allows for the direct visualization of the urinary canal from the external meatus to the bladder neck. Using a flexible or rigid urethroscope equipped with a high-resolution camera and light source, a urologist can:
- Examine the entire length of the urethra (anterior and posterior segments).
- Assess the mucosal lining for abnormalities, signs of inflammation, or lesions.
- Measure the diameter of the urethral lumen.
- Identify strictures (narrowing), diverticula, or false passages.
- Detect tumors, polyps, or other neoplasms.
- Localize and remove urethral stones or foreign bodies.
- Evaluate the seminal colliculus (verumontanum) and prostatic urethra in men.
- Assess the bladder neck and internal urethral sphincter.
- Perform a targeted biopsy for subsequent histological study.
- Carry out therapeutic interventions: stricture dilation, laser tumor resection, etc.
When is Urethroscopy Recommended?
Diagnostic Indications:
- Urethral Strictures (narrowing of the urinary canal).
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) with suspected urethral involvement.
- Hematuria (blood in the urine) of urethral origin.
- Urethral Discharge of unexplained etiology.
- Suspected Urethral Neoplasms (tumors, polyps).
- Chronic Urethral Pain Syndrome.
- Assessment of Urethral Trauma consequences.
- Suspected Urethral Diverticula.
- Diagnosis of Congenital Anomalies of urethral development.
- Preoperative Examination before urethral surgery.
Therapeutic Applications:
- Internal Urethrotomy for the treatment of strictures.
- Urethral Dilation (bougienage under direct visual control).
- Removal of Stones or foreign bodies from the canal.
- Transurethral Resection of urethral tumors.
- Fulguration (Coagulation) of bleeding lesions.
- Urethral Valve Ablation (for congenital anomalies).
- Treatment of Urethral Fistulas.
- Urethral Polyp Removal.
- Injection Therapy for specific urethral conditions.
- Urethral Stent Placement in complex cases.
Monitoring and Follow-up:
- Post-operative Assessment following urethral surgery.
- Monitoring for Stricture Recurrence after treatment.
- Evaluation of Treatment Efficacy for chronic urethral diseases.
- Healing Control after urethral trauma.
- Surveillance of Tumors in dynamics following removal.
What Can Urethroscopy Detect?
Structural Abnormalities
- Urethral Strictures (anterior, posterior, bulbar).
- Diverticula (pocket-like protrusions of the wall).
- Congenital Urethral Valves.
- Urethral Fistulas.
- False Passages (following unsuccessful manipulations).
- Urethral Calculi (stones).
Inflammatory Conditions
- Chronic Urethritis of various etiologies.
- Granulomatous Urethritis.
- Lichen Sclerosus (Balaniis xerotica obliterans).
- Urethral Caruncle (primarily in females).
- Polypoid Urethritis.
- Post-infectious Cicatricial Changes.
Oncological Conditions
- Urethral Cancer (squamous cell, transitional cell).
- Urethral Polyps and Papillomas.
- Condyloma Acuminata (urethral warts).
- Malignant Melanoma of the urethra.
- Metastatic Tumors involving urethral tissues.
Other Conditions
- Urethral Trauma (acute and chronic consequences).
- Foreign Bodies in the canal.
- Urethral Hemangiomas.
- Urethral Amyloidosis.
- Radiation-Induced Changes following pelvic radiation.
- Post-surgical Complications.
Types of Urethroscopy
Flexible Urethroscopy
- Instrument: Flexible fiberoptic or digital urethroscope.
- Diameter: 4.5–6.5 French (1.5–2.1 mm).
- Anesthesia: Local urethral anesthesia (lidocaine gel).
- Advantages: Maximum comfort, can be performed in an office setting.
- Application: Diagnostic inspection, follow-up examinations.
Rigid Urethroscopy
- Instrument: Rigid metal urethroscope.
- Diameter: 8–21 French (2.7–7.0 mm).
- Anesthesia: Spinal or general anesthesia.
- Advantages: Wide working channel for tools, ideal for surgical procedures.
- Application: Urethrotomy, stone removal, tumor resection.
Advanced Techniques
- Video Urethroscopy: HD imaging with video recording capability.
- Narrow Band Imaging (NBI): Enhanced visualization of vascular patterns.
- Optical Urethrotomy: Stricture incision under direct visual control.
- Combined Procedures: Simultaneous urethroscopy and cystoscopy.
How is Urethroscopy Performed?
Preparation and Positioning
The patient is placed in the lithotomy position or supine. The genital area is treated with an antiseptic. 5–10 minutes before starting, a local anesthetic gel is applied to ensure complete numbing of the canal.
Insertion of the Urethroscope
The physician gently inserts the urethroscope into the canal. A sterile irrigation solution is used to expand the walls for ideal visualization. The examination is conducted systematically from the meatus to the deeper segments.
Comprehensive Examination
Thorough inspection of all segments: the navicular fossa, pendulous, bulbar, membranous, and prostatic urethra. The elasticity of the walls and the color of the mucosa are evaluated.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
If necessary, biopsies are taken from suspicious areas, stones are removed, and strictures are dilated or incised. Key stages are photo-documented for the medical report.
Completion and Recommendations
The urethroscope is gently withdrawn. The patient remains under observation for a short period. The physician provides instructions regarding fluid intake and prophylactic medication.
Modern Equipment for Urethroscopy
Our center utilizes advanced technologies to achieve maximum precision and safety:
- Digital Video Urethroscopes: Provide crystal-clear HD imaging.
- Ultra-thin Flexible Instruments: Minimize discomfort during diagnostics.
- Cold-knife Urethrotomes: For delicate treatment of strictures.
- Laser Systems: Holmium laser for stone fragmentation and tumor removal.
- NBI Mode: Allows for the detection of pathological vascular changes in early-stage cancer.
- Dilation Kits: Modern balloon dilators for safe expansion of the canal.
- Micro-biopsy Tools: High-precision forceps for non-traumatic tissue sampling.
Schedule Your Urethroscopy Today
Timely diagnosis of urethral diseases can prevent serious complications such as urinary retention or chronic kidney failure. Do not ignore discomfort, difficult, or painful urination. Urethroscopy at Brigid Center provides the opportunity to receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment within a single procedure.
Take a step toward urinary health. Contact us to schedule an examination or for a professional consultation with a urologist.
Brigid Medical Center — Expert Urological Care in Kharkiv.
Modern Equipment · Experienced Urologists · Safety and Comfort · Guaranteed Diagnostic Quality
Online booking is preliminary. We will contact you to clarify details and confirm the appointment.
Your personal data is fully protected and not shared with third parties. Contact information is needed only for feedback and appointment scheduling.