Cystoscopy Overview

Cystoscopy is an exam of the bladder. It is done with a special lighted scope, called a cystoscope. The scope allows the doctor to look through the urethra and into the bladder.

Cystoscopy of the Bladder © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Prior to Procedure

This procedure is usually done in your doctor's office. In some cases, cystoscopy may be done while you are having another procedure. If you will be having general anesthesia , your doctor may instruct you to:

• Arrange to have someone drive you home.
• Avoid eating or drinking after midnight the night before the procedure.

Anesthesia

This depends on where you have the procedure:

• Local anesthesia—The immediate area is numbed. It may be given as an intraurethral gel. A sedative may also be given to help you relax. This is used when the procedure is done in a doctor's office.
• Regional anesthesia —This blocks pain to a larger area of the body. It may be used if the procedure is done in a hospital.
• General anesthesia —You will be asleep. It is given through an IV in your hand or arm. This option may be used if the procedure is done in a hospital.

Description of the Procedure

You will lie on an exam table. The doctor will insert a cystoscope through the urinary opening, into the urethra, and into the bladder. Your bladder will be drained of urine. A sample will be kept for testing. Next, your bladder will be filled with clean water. This will allow a better view of the bladder walls. The bladder, urethra, and prostate gland (in male patients) will be examined.

How Long Will It Take?

5-10 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

You may feel stinging or burning when urinating. Your doctor may give you pain medicine.

Post-procedure Care

When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• Keep in mind that you may see some blood in your urine for a few days.
• Take any medicines prescribed as directed, including antibiotics if they are given.
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions .

RESOURCES:

American Urological Association
http://www.urologyhealth.org/

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

Women's Health Matters
http://womenshealthmatters.ca/

References:

Campbell MF, Walsh PC. Campbell's Urology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company;1998.

Cystoscopy. American Urological Association website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/search/index.cfm?topic=277&search=cystoscopy&searchtype=or . Accessed July 22, 2008.