Evaluation of outpatient cystoscopy in urogynaecology

Prospective evaluation of outpatient cystoscopy in a Urogynaecology Unit. Prospective observational series. St. George's Hospital, London. Department of Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery and Urogynaecology. A total of 131 consecutive women, who underwent outpatient rigid cystoscopy over a 24-month-period. Prospective data collection included cystoscopic findings, microbiology data, uroflowmetry and radiological results. An Immediate Feedback Questionnaire was completed at the end of the procedure. Success rates of the procedure, cystoscopy findings, requirements for additional investigations, including inpatient cystoscopy and patient satisfaction rates. The mean age was 56.4 years (range 20-87 years). A total 126 women (96.2%) had a successful outpatient cystoscopy. In five (3.8%) women the procedure had to be abandoned because of inability to insert the cystoscope. Eleven women (8.7%) experienced pain but were able to tolerate the discomfort. Fifty-three (42.7%) women had abnormalities detected at cystoscopy. Thirty-seven women had trabeculations. Focal vesical lesions were found in 21 women. Thirty-nine (30.9%) women did not require any additional treatment. Six (6.9%) women were scheduled for repeat cystoscopy under general anaesthetic to facilitate a bladder biopsy. Fifteen women (17.2%) were referred for urodynamics or renal imaging. Three women (3.4%) were referred to a urologist. More than 75% reported high satisfaction with the care they received. Four women had symptoms of UTI and two had positive urinary cultures and required antibiotics. The benefits of outpatient cystoscopy include high levels of tolerability and patient satisfaction, shorter waiting time, quicker implementation of treatment strategies, avoidance of the risks of general anaesthesia and lower procedural cost.