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During the cystoscopy
To prepare for your cystoscopy procedure, you'll be asked to empty your bladder. You'll lie down on a table on your back. In some cases, you may be positioned with your feet in stirrups so that your knees are bent and elevated.
In certain cases, you may receive a sedative or an anesthetic medication through a vein in your arm before the cystoscopy procedure. If you receive a sedative, you'll feel sleepy and relaxed during the cystoscopy, but you'll still be aware. If you receive a general anesthetic during the cystoscopy, you won't be aware during the procedure.
A numbing jelly will be applied to your urethra so that you feel less pain when the cystoscope is inserted. After waiting a few minutes for the numbing to occur, your doctor feeds the cystoscope into your urethra.
Several sizes of cystoscopes are available, and your doctor will choose the smallest scope possible for your procedure. Smaller scopes are often used for investigating causes of signs and symptoms. Larger scopes may be necessary to take tissue samples or pass surgical tools into the bladder.
As the cystoscope passes through your urethra and toward your bladder, your doctor will look through a lens on the end of the cystoscope. The lens works like a telescope to magnify the inner surfaces of your urethra and your bladder. In some cases, your doctor may place a special video camera over the lens that projects the images onto a video screen.
Once the cystoscope reaches your bladder, your doctor will flood the bladder with a sterile solution. The solution inflates the bladder and allows your doctor to get a better look at the inside of the entire structure. As your bladder fills, you may feel the need to urinate. This can be an uncomfortable feeling. As soon as your cystoscopy is complete, you'll be allowed to empty your bladder.
Depending on your situation, your doctor may take tissue samples or perform various procedures during the cystoscopy. Once these are complete, the cystoscope is withdrawn through your urethra. A simple outpatient cystoscopy may take less than five minutes. When done in a hospital setting with sedation or general anesthesia, cystoscopy can take 10 to 30 minutes.
After the cystoscopy
After your cystoscopy, you may be allowed to go about your day. If you've been under sedation or general anesthesia, you may be asked to remain in a recovery area to let the effects of the medication wear off before you leave.
You'll likely experience some side effects after cystoscopy, such as:
- Bleeding from your urethra, which may appear bright pink in your urine or on toilet tissue
- A burning sensation during urination
- More frequent urination for the next day or two
You can relieve some of the discomfort if you:
- Hold a warm, moist washcloth over the opening to your urethra for 20 minutes to help relieve pain. Repeat this as needed.
- Take a warm bath. Though, in some cases, your doctor may ask you to avoid baths. If you have concerns, call your doctor.
- Drink water to flush out your bladder. This may reduce irritation. Try to drink 16 ounces (473 milliliters) of water each hour for the first two hours after your cystoscopy.
Call your doctor if you have concerns after your cystoscopy.
- Carter HB, et al. Basic instrumentation and cystoscopy. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2007.http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/202281144-2/0/1445/0.html. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Mann WJ. Diagnostic cystourethroscopy for gynecologic conditions. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/cystoscopy/. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Cystoscopy. UrologyHealth.org. http://www.urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=05&topic=277. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Things you should know before surgery. American Society of Anesthesiologists. http://www.lifelinetomodernmedicine.com/ArticlePage.aspx?ID=38a06e24-c3a2-451b-b487-af08792e2110&LandingID=29d0791e-005b-40dd-be33-05b988b17619. Accessed June 22, 2010.
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