cystoscope /sis″təskōp′/ [Gk, kystis + skopein, to look] , an instrument for examining and treating lesions of the urethra or bladder. There are both rigid and flexible types. The rigid instrument consists of an obturator for introduction, an outer sheath, a lighting system, a viewing lens, and ports for catheters and operative devices. The flexible cystoscope is a self-contained endoscope with ports for instrumentation and irrigation. Flexible cystoscopes are more commonly used today and incorporate fiberoptics.
