urethroscopic

Urethroscopic refers to a medical procedure or instrument related to the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. A urethroscopic examination, also known as ureteroscopy, involves inserting a urethroscope, a thin, flexible or rigid tube with a light and camera, into the urethra. This allows a medical professional to visualize the interior of the urethra and, in some cases, the bladder.

The primary purpose of urethroscopy is diagnostic. It can help identify the cause of symptoms such as pain during urination, blood in the urine, or difficulty urinating. Conditions that can be diagnosed include urethral strictures (narrowing of the urethra), inflammation, tumors, or stones. In some instances, therapeutic interventions can also be performed during a urethroscopic procedure, such as removing small stones or taking tissue samples for biopsy.

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, though general anesthesia may be used for more extensive examinations or treatments. After the procedure, some temporary discomfort or irritation in the urethra is common. The information gathered from urethroscopy is crucial for guiding further treatment plans for various urological conditions.