Cystoscopy

What is Cystoscopy?

Cystoscopy is a procedure that is used to visually inspect the bladder and the urethra (tube leading out of the bladder). It performed for a variety of reasons, including blood in the urine, slow urinary stream, urinary symptoms, incontinence, and others.

Description Of Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is performed with a telescope that is passed through the urethra into the bladder. This can be done in most instances without discomfort by the use of a local anesthetic jelly (not a shot)!! Women will usually be placed on a table with their legs in stirrups, and men can usually have the procedure lying flat on their back. The end of the urinary channel (or urethra) will be cleaned and a local anesthetic placed into the urinary channel for a few moments. A special telescope, or cystoscope, is used to inspect the urinary tract, and a camera is used so the patient and doctor can both see the images. The cystoscope is smaller than a drinking straw, and flexible enough to easily follow the curves of the male urethra. The entire exam usually takes less than 2 minutes. Afterwards you might expect a little discomfort with voiding and perhaps a spot of blood for a day or so. A warm bath helps to relieve this irritation and will wash off the soap we’ve used to prep the area. You will be given an antibiotic tablet afterward to prevent urinary infection. Ask if you have questions - - it’s not as bad as you think - - honest!

Possible Risks Of Cystoscopy

After this type of procedure there is a very small risk (1%) of urinary infection. Most patients will have a small amount of burnig with urination for the first day, and some patients will have a few drops of blood in the urine for the next day. If symptoms of burning, frequency or bleeding last longer than 2 days afterwards please let us know.

Preparation For Cystoscopy

No restrictions for diet, fluids or medications exist for this examination.