Would a cat scan be the best way to determine if there is obstruction at the bladder neck? Thanks. Rich
No. A pelvic ultrasound will show it.
I had an MRI. Does that tell you?
Just the pevlic ultrasound? The thing they do in the office?
...a 3T MRI is much safer (no radiation). My urologist says they are both too expensive and favors going up the urethra w/ a cytoscopy (not fun!)
My best suggestion is a cystoscopy.
Cystoscopy
Fine, tell him since it is too expensive you understand and he favors this, he can drop his pants for the cytoscopy. Seems that they always feel that way when they and not the victim.
A cytoscopy is invasive. What would be the best non-invasive way to check that out?
A cystoscope is not that big a deal and you can see what the urologist sees in realtime. . S
mine was diagnosed with a video urodynamics study . This is basically the video version of a cystoscopy . both of which are totally painless.
A FLEXIBLE cystoscopy is the best way but make sure he uses a flexible and NOT a rigid cystoscope. It is fast and easy and you may get to watch the trip in and out along with the uro.
I agree with those who voted for a flexible (vs. rigid, which will make you bleeding for a few days) CYSTOSCOPY. It takes only few minutes, uses local numbing of the urethra, doesn't introduce infection but allows you and your Uro to see in a full color on a big monitor your urethra, bladder, and bladder neck. Any changes in the bladder wall can be detected during the Cystoscopy. It brings much more information than CT or MRI scan, except for prostate cancer or volume(which shouldn't not prostrate you :)).
According to one recent study, X-ray CT scan is more accurate in determination of prostate volume, but 3T MRI with a contrast is much better in PC diagnostic, albeit expensive.
Good urography CT scan bares an exposure to 10 mSv of radiation to the entire abdomen (similar to 5 years dose of natural exposure to all sources of radiation). I don't think that CT scan (around $300-400) or 3T MRI, which is according to some sources cost $1200 out of pocket in S-F is much cheaper than in office cystoscopy for your insurance, unless it's an HMO, which doesn't pay much to your doctor anyway.
Yup, I should have included FLEXIBLE! . S
I had my first cystoscopy last year. While the procedure itself wasn't very painful, the aftermath definitely WAS. Every time I urinated for the next 2 days, it felt like a piece of barbed wire was being dragged through my urethra. It was off the charts painful, first time I think I've ever screamed out loud in pain in my life. And I was taking one of those pills that turns your urine orange, which the urologist described as like a "pepto-bismal" for your bladder, that was supposed to make urinating less painful.
The pain started to subside on day 3, and was gone by day 4. But days 1 and 2 were unreal.
Was it the flexible cytoscopy or fixed?
Ha!
A flexible cystoscopy is not invasive at all. Also the doctor can image your bladder wall and check for any early signs of bladder cancer. It is not something to fear but rather be grateful for this technology. The whole process takes less than one minute and you feel nothing at all.
Not true in my case - although I'm sure others have had better experiences.
richpe ,Thats a good question. I would like to know that also. You could ask your urologist that question. I believe a MRI would tell that answer. Frank,
"you feel nothing at all" - wow - when I had one it was incredibly painful!