CYSTOSCOPY

Cystoscopy means inspecting the urethra and bladder with a small telescope called a cystoscope.

The cystoscope is a small, lighted, fiber optic telescope that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. There are two types of cystoscopes, flexible and rigid. The type of cystoscope used for your procedure will be determined by what your doctor thinks is best for your anatomy and condition.

The procedure usually takes less than 5 minutes to perform.

An anesthetic gel placed in the urethra, and IV sedation is available for comfort.

The cystoscope images may be projected onto a TV screen if you wish to observe your own anatomy. If the images are projected onto the TV, then pictures may be taken to be placed in your medical record chart.

Your doctor will discuss the findings with you after the procedure.

POSSIBLE RISKS OF CYSTOSCOPY

Infection

A single dose of an antibiotic is occasionally given by mouth to minimize this risk. Please let your doctor know if you have any allergies or drug intolerances, or if you have any artificial implants or heart valve disease. Please let your doctor know if you get any symptoms of infection after the cystoscopy such as fever, persistent blood in the urine, persistent discomfort, unusual frequency, cloudy, odorous urine or an inability to urinate. These symptoms are unusual.

Bleeding

Typically, a small amount of blood may be seen in the urine for 24 hours after cystoscopy. Please clarify with your doctor if you use aspirin, Vitamin E, or any prescription blood thinners before your cystoscopy to minimize the risk of bleeding, and whether or not you should hold these medications.

Discomfort

An anesthetic gel may be placed in the urethra before cystoscopy to minimize discomfort. You may also ask for a mild sedative for the procedure if desired. If a sedative is given, you will need to arrange for a ride home and will have activity restrictions for 12 hours. If a sedative is used, you may also be asked not to eat or drink for 4 hours before the cystoscopy. A small amount of voiding discomfort is common for 24 hours after cystoscopy.

Difficulty Voiding

Problems emptying the bladder after cystoscopy are very rare. If difficulty emptying occurs, it is usually temporary, but a catheter may be required until the difficulty emptying resolves.

Injury to Urethra or Bladder

Injury is extremely rare. If the cystoscope does not easily navigate the urethra or bladder, your doctor may decide to stop the cystoscopy before its completion. If a urethral narrowing or stricture is discovered, your doctor may need to gently dilate the stricture to allow completion of the cystoscopy.

Finding an Unsuspected Problem that May Require Additional Therapy

Occasionally, a cystoscopy will reveal a finding that may require additional treatment. A small polyp may be biopsied and/or cauterized. A small stone may be removed. However, a large stone or polyp may require general anesthesia to treat, which would be scheduled at a later date.

Alternatives to Cystoscopy: Further radiological studies, further blood or urine tests or continued observation of symptoms and/or test results. Typically, however, these studies cannot accurately rule out urethral strictures or small bladder lesions.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFTER YOUR CYSTOSCOPY

Drink plenty of water and avoid exertion for the rest of the day. You may notice some temporary discomfort in the urethra. This is normal. It is also normal to see some blood in your urine for 24 hours.