Final answer:
Cystoscopy is the medical procedure used to examine the walls of the bladder and urethra, involving the use of a cystoscope. It helps diagnose urinary system diseases through direct visualization, and may also assist in performing a urinalysis if a urine sample is collected during the procedure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The procedure in which the physician examines the walls of the bladder and urethra by visualization and inspection is known as cystoscopy. It allows a doctor to look directly inside the urinary bladder and the urethra, which transports urine from the bladder to the outside environment. This procedure is a key tool in diagnosing diseases and conditions that affect the urinary system.
During a cystoscopy, a thin tube with a camera and light at the end, known as a cystoscope, is inserted into the urethra and slowly advanced into the bladder. As the cystoscope moves through the urethra and into the bladder, the physician can inspect the walls for abnormalities such as growths, stones, or infection. This process can also assist in performing a urinalysis, an analysis of urine to diagnose disease, if a urine sample is taken during the procedure.
Cystoscopy is often used to investigate symptoms such as blood in the urine, frequent urinary tract infections, or painful urination. It is also useful for monitoring the health of the urinary system following surgery or other treatments.