What does a cystoscopy determine?

Doctors perform cystoscopy procedures to diagnose issues of the urethra and bladder, explains Mayo Clinic. A urologist inserts a tube with a lens attached at the end through the urethra to view the lining of the urinary system and investigate for issues such as incontinence, bladder cancer or enlarged prostates.

Aside from diagnostic procedures, surgeries are performed through cystoscopy as well, according to eMedicineHealth. The hollow nature of a cystoscopy tube allows other instruments to pass through in order to extract bladder stones or perform repairs. Doctors carry out cystoscopy procedures in private offices under local anesthesia and in hospital rooms as outpatient procedures.