What is the primary goal of performing a cystoscopy?

The primary goal of performing a cystoscopy is to diagnose urethral strictures or lesions. Cystoscopy is a procedure that allows a healthcare provider to visualize the inside of the bladder and urethra using a thin tube equipped with a camera, called a cystoscope. This examination helps in identifying abnormalities such as strictures, lesions, tumors, or infections in the bladder and urethra, providing crucial information for diagnosis and treatment.

While collecting a urine sample can be a part of urinary diagnostics, it is not the primary objective of cystoscopy. Similarly, treating urinary tract infections is usually addressed through antibiotic therapy rather than a cystoscopy procedure, which is more investigative. Evaluating kidney function typically involves blood tests and imaging studies rather than directly visualizing the urinary tract. Therefore, the focus of cystoscopy on diagnosing specific abnormalities in the urethra and bladder makes it an essential tool in urology.