Do we need to perform cystoscopy on all adults attending urology centres as outpatients?
BACKGROUND
There has been considerable expansion in the use of flexible cystoscopy (FC) and people who can perform the procedure. Hence, there is a criticism that this procedure is being overused with no management benefit.


METHODS
We audited the use of FC in a district hospital for a period of 1 year. The results of FC for non-standard indications (other than haematuria and check cystoscopy) were analysed for their diagnostic yield.


RESULTS
Of the 1,390 FCs performed, 295 were done for non-standard indications. 46.14% of these cystoscopies had positive findings. Cancer detection rate was 6.10%. Cystoscopy altered the management in 14.08% of patients and was supportive to diagnosis and management in 32.06%.


CONCLUSIONS
This procedure is certainly not overused and the ever-increasing requirement of this simple procedure has serious resource implications for the National Health Service.
Kumar
V
V
The Whittington Hospital, London, UK. vivekanandan.kumar@icr.ac.uk
Patel
H R
HR
Nathan
S M
SM
Miller
R A
RA
Lawson
A H
AH
D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003558:Cystoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006767:Hospitals, District / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014573:Urology Department, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data