What is a cystoscopy?

A cystoscope is a thin tube with a camera and light on the end. During a cystoscopy, a doctor inserts this
tube through your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your bladder) and into your bladder so
they can visualize the inside of your bladder. Magnified images from the camera are displayed on a
screen where your doctor can see them.
Reasons for having a cystoscopy
Your doctor might order this test if you have urinary problems, such as a constant need to
urinate or painful urination. Your doctor might also order the procedure to investigate reasons for:
 blood in your urine
 frequent urinary tract infections
 an overactive bladder
 pelvic pain
A cystoscopy can reveal several conditions, including bladder tumors, stones, or cancer. Your doctor can
also use this procedure to diagnose:
 blockages
 enlarged prostate gland
 noncancerous growths
 problems with the ureters (tubes connecting your bladder to your kidneys)
A cystoscopy can also be used to treat underlying bladder conditions. Your doctor can pass tiny surgical
tools through the scope to remove small bladder tumors and stones or to take a sample of bladder
tissue.
Other uses include:
 taking a urine sample to check for tumors or infection
 inserting a small tube to assist with urine flow
 injecting dye so kidney problems can be identified on an X-ray
Preparing for a cystoscopy
Your doctor might prescribe antibiotics before and after the procedure if you have a UTI or a weak
immune system. You may also need to give a urine sample before the test. If your doctor plans to give
you general anesthesia, you’ll feel groggy afterward. That means before the procedure, you’ll need to
arrange a ride home. Plan to take time to rest at home after the procedure, as well.

Ask your doctor if you can continue taking any regular medications. Certain medications can cause
excessive bleeding during the procedure.

Anesthesia during a cystoscopy

The procedure might be performed in a hospital or doctor’s office. You will need some form of
anesthesia, so talk to your doctor about your options before the procedure. These include:

Local anesthesia: Outpatient procedures generally involve local anesthesia. This means you’ll be awake.
You can drink and eat normally on your appointment day and go home immediately after the procedure.

General anesthesia: General anesthesia means you’ll be unconscious during the cystoscopy. With
general anesthesia, you may need to fast for several hours ahead of time.

Regional anesthesia: Regional anesthesia involves an injection in your back. This will numb you below
the waist. You might feel a sting from the shot.
With either regional or general anesthesia, you will probably need to stay in the hospital for a few hours
after the procedure.

The cystoscopy procedure

Just before the cystoscopy, you need go to the bathroom to empty your bladder. Then, you change into
a surgical gown and lie down on your back on a treatment table. Your feet may be positioned in stirrups.
The nurse may provide you with antibiotics to help prevent a bladder infection.

At this point, you’ll be given anesthesia. If you get general anesthesia, this will be all that you are
conscious of until you wake up. If you get a local or regional anesthetic, you may also be given a sedative
to relax you. Your urethra will be numbed with an anesthetic spray or gel. You’ll still feel some
sensations, but the gel makes the procedure less painful. The doctor will lubricate the scope with gel and
carefully insert it into the urethra. This may burn slightly, and it may feel like urinating.

If the procedure is investigatory, your doctor will use a flexible scope. Biopsies or other surgical
procedures require a slightly thicker, rigid scope. The bigger scope allows surgical instruments to pass
through it.

Your doctor looks through a lens as the scope enters your bladder. A sterile solution also flows through
to flood your bladder. This makes it easier for your doctor to see what’s going on. The fluid might give
you an uncomfortable feeling of needing to urinate.

With local anesthesia, your cystoscopy may take less than five minutes. If you’re sedated or given
general anesthesia, the entire procedure may take 15 to 30 minutes.

Potential risks of a cystoscopy

It’s normal to have a burning sensation while urinating for two to three days after the procedure. You
may need to urinate more frequently than usual. Don’t try to hold it, as the blood in your bladder
could clot and create a blockage.
Blood in the urine is also common after the procedure, especially if you had a biopsy. Drinking lots of
water helps ease the burning and bleeding.
Some people develop more serious complications, including:
Swollen urethra (urethritis): This is the most common complication. It makes urination difficult. If you
can’t urinate for more than eight hours after the procedure, contact your doctor.
Infection: In rare cases, germs enter your urinary tract and cause infection. 
Fever, strange smelling urine, nausea, and lower back pain are all symptoms of infection. You might
need antibiotics.
Bleeding: A few people suffer from more serious bleeding. Call your doctor if this happens.
You should also call your doctor if you:
 develop a fever higher than 100.4ºF (38ºC)
 have bright red blood or clots of tissue in your urine
 are unable to void, even though you feel the need
 have persistent stomach pain

Recovering after a cystoscopy

Give yourself time to rest. Drink lots of fluids and stay close to the bathroom. Holding a damp, warm
washcloth over your urethra can help relieve any pain. If your doctor gives you permission, take pain
medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
If you were given general anesthesia, have someone stay with you. after the procedure. You may feel
sleepy or dizzy. Don’t drink alcohol, drive, or operate complex machinery for the rest of the day.
If you had a biopsy done, you’ll need time to heal. Avoid heavy lifting for the next two weeks. Ask your
doctor when it’s safe to have sexual intercourse.

Links:
Cystoscopy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG2Q3DNZRb8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPLnrejeL3U