Prior to Procedure

The initial diagnosis is often done in the office under a local anesthetic.

You may be unable to tolerate an exam in the office or may need other procedures done. In this case, your doctor may decide to perform a cystoscopy under a general anesthetic.

• You will need to arrange to have someone drive you home
• Avoid drinking or eating after midnight the night before the procedure
• If you have cardiac valve problems, your doctor may ask you to take antibiotics

Anesthesia

• Local if done in office
• Local, general, or regional (spinal) if done in the operating room

Description of the Procedure

You will lie on an exam table. The doctor inserts the cystoscope through the urinary opening, into the urethra, and advances it into the bladder. The bladder is drained of urine. A sample is retained for testing.

The bladder is then filled with sterile water to allow a better view of the bladder walls. The bladder, urethra, and prostate gland (in male patients) are carefully examined.

After Procedure

The exam may indicate a problem that requires treatment. Your doctor will discuss this with you before you leave the office.

How Long Will It Take?

5-10 minutes

Will It Hurt?

• General anesthesia or a spinal—you won't feel any pain during the procedure
• Local anesthesia—you may feel some pain or discomfort when the cystoscope is being inserted and removed

For several days after the procedure you may feel some stinging or burning when urinating. You may see some blood in the urine for a few days. Your doctor may give you pain medication or antibiotics.

Possible Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Accidental perforation of the bladder wall with the cystoscope (very rare)

Average Hospital Stay

None

Postoperative Care

• You may be given antibiotics to prevent or treat urinary tract infection—take medications as prescribed
• Follow your doctor's guidelines in regards to bathing, exercising, and resuming sexual relations