Why is this procedure done?
Your kidneys make urine. It is stored in your bladder. The urethra is a tube at the bottom of the bladder. Urine flows out of this tube. Sometimes, there is a blockage and urine is not able to leave the body. ‚
A cystoscopy is a procedure that lets the doctor see the inside of your bladder and urethra. The doctor does it to: ‚
- Look for stones or tumors blocking the bladder and urethra
- Look for changes or injury inside the bladder
- Take a tissue sample from the inside of your bladder
- Look for reasons for blood in the urine, infections, or why you are passing urine often
- Look for prostate problems
What will the results be?
The results will help your doctor understand what kind of problem you have with your bladder or urethra. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- You will empty your bladder about an hour before the procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie on your back on an exam table. Sometimes, you are given drugs to make you sleepy for this procedure. The doctor will put numbing drugs on the skin of your urethra.
- Your doctor will put a thin flexible tube called a cystoscope into your urethra. This tube has a tiny lighted camera on the tip. Your doctor will put water into your bladder through the tube. The doctor will fill your bladder wall until it expands. You may feel bloated or like you need to pass urine. Your doctor will look at the inside of your bladder. The doctor may take a small sample of tissue if it does not look normal. The tube will be taken out of your bladder.
- The procedure takes 5 to 20 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- The numbness will go away in 1 to 3 hours.
- You may feel sore. You may see a small amount of blood in your urine for 1 to 2 days. It may also burn when you pass your urine for 1 to 2 days.
- If the doctor did a biopsy, the sample will be sent for testing.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to the bladder and urethra
- Discomfort in the urethra area
- Burning sensation for a short time
- Upset stomach
Where can I learn more?
American Urological Association Foundation ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=77 ‚
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/cystoscopy/index.aspx ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cystoscopy/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚