Virtual cystoscopy

The Imaging Department of Nadezhda Hospital performs a non-invasive imaging test of the bladder called virtual cystoscopy.

This method allows for early and completely non-invasive diagnosis of bladder diseases, while also providing the opportunity to assess the condition of the bladder wall. Such complexity cannot be achieved in the same comprehensiveness and scope by traditional cystoscopy methods.

In the presence of a tumour process, virtual cystoscopy can give a preliminary idea of the tumour volume, its location, the number of changes in it and the type of such changes, and their relation to the bladder wall, changes in the wall itself and in the tissues surrounding the bladder.

The test consists of a CT scan using a special software program and is performed by an experienced and highly qualified specialist – Boyan Pavlov, M.D., Head of the Imaging Diagnostics Department.

It is preceded by intravenous administration of X-ray contrast agent, which is used to achieve virtual imaging of the bladder and provide quality images, enabling accurate diagnosis.

The main advantage for the patients is that they are not subjected to physically and mentally traumatic invasive procedures such as endoscopy and catheterisation, which require the insertion of instruments into the bladder itself.

The examination is performed in an outpatient setting, lasts no more than 15 minutes and is completely painless. All images from the examination are delivered to the patient, and films and an electronic medium – a CD – are provided, and they let urology specialists immediately examine the test results.

To perform the test, an appointment is required in advance via the hospital’s call centre or the Registry Office sector.