Flexible and rigid cystoscopy in women.
OBJECTIVE
Previous studies have evaluated the tolerability of rigid versus flexible cystoscopy in men. Similar studies, however, have not been performed in women. We sought to determine whether office-based flexible cystoscopy was better tolerated than rigid cystoscopy in women.


METHODS
Following full IRB approval, women were prospectively randomized in a single-blind manner. Patients were randomized to flexible or rigid cystoscopy and draped in the lithotomy position to maintain blinding of the study. Questionnaires evaluated discomfort before, during, and after cystoscopy.


RESULTS
Thirty-six women were randomized to flexible (18) or rigid (18) cystoscopy. Indications were surveillance (16), hematuria (15), recurrent UTIs (2), voiding dysfunction (1), and other (2). All questionnaires were returned by 31/36 women. Using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS), median discomfort during the procedure for flexible and rigid cystoscopy were 1.4 and 1.8, respectively, in patients perceiving pain. Median recalled pain 1 week later was similar at 0.8 and 1.15, respectively. None of these differences were statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Flexible and rigid cystoscopy are well tolerated in women. Discomfort during and after the procedure is minimal in both groups. Urologists should perform either procedure in women based on their preference and skill level.
Gee
Jason R
JR
Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA.
Waterman
Bradley J
BJ
Jarrard
David F
DF
Hedican
Sean P
SP
Bruskewitz
Reginald C
RC
Nakada
Stephen Y
SY
D000328:Adult; D020684:Cystoscopes; D003558:Cystoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method