Cystoscopy
What is a Cystoscopy?
When you have a bladder problem, your doctor may use a cystoscope to see inside your bladder and urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
Reasons for Cystoscopy: Why Is It Performed?
To help with diagnosis. A cystoscopy may be done to help to find the cause of symptoms such as:
- Loss of bladder control (incontinence) or overactive bladder.
- Frequent bladder infections.
- Blood in the urine (hematuria).
- Unusual cells found in a urine sample.
- Pain in the bladder, urethra or during urination.
- During a surgical procedure such as a hysterectomy or incontinence tape procedure, to ensure there has been no damage to the bladder or the ureters.
The examination is more successful than other tests, like urine tests or ultrasound in picking up problems such as bladder stones, bleeding, tumors, and structural abnormalities of the bladder.
Preparing for Your Cystoscopy: Important Steps
If you are having an outpatient procedure in most cases you will be able to eat and drink normally prior to the test. If you are having general anesthesia, you should refrain from eating and drinking for 6 to 8 hours prior to your cystoscopy.
Since any medical procedure has a small risk of injury, you will asked to sign a consent form before the test. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor about any concerns you might have. You may be asked to give a urine sample before the test to check for infection. Avoid urinating for 1 hour before this part of the test.
Understanding the Cystoscopy Procedure
The procedure can be done in the doctors’ office or in the operating room, depending on your symptoms. Your doctor will recommend where you have your test performed. The test may be performed under a general or local anesthesia; your doctor will inform you of this before the surgery.
On average, the test will take 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
The lower part of your body will then be covered with a sterile drape. In most cases you will lie on your back with your knees raised and apart. The area around your urethra will be cleaned and numbing jelly (local anesthesia) may be applied to the urethra.
The doctor will then gently insert the cystoscope into your bladder. When the camera is inserted it may be a little uncomfortable, relaxing the pelvic floor muscles will make this part of the test easier. Most women tolerate the test very well.
The doctor will fill your bladder with a sterile liquid to allow a good view of the bladder wall. As your bladder fills you may feel an urge to urinate and some mild discomfort in the bladder. You will be able to empty the bladder as soon as the examination is over.
Potential Risks of Cystoscopy: What You Should Know
The risks of complications with this procedure are low, they include:
- Urinary tract infection
- Bleeding
- Injury to the bladder or urethra
What to Expect After Your Cystoscopy
You may have some temporary mild burning feeling when you urinate, and you may see small amounts of blood in your urine. A warm bath or the application of a warm damp washcloth over your urethral opening may relieve the burning feeling. These problems should not last longer than 24 hours. Tell your doctor if bleeding or pain is severe or if problems last longer than a couple of days.
There is a small risk of developing urinary tract infection after the test. It is advisable to drink extra fluid after the procedure, about 3 liters (12-13 cups) of water evenly spaced over the next 24 hours. If you have signs of an infection including pain on urination, fever or chills, smelly or cloudy urine, call your doctor.
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