Information on the Cystoscopy Procedure

Information on the Cystoscopy Procedure
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If you have consulted a urologist about urinary problems such as incontinence or painful urination, you may be advised to have a cystoscopy performed to determine the cause of these problems. Use this information to learn about the reasons to have this procedure, understand what will happen during the cystoscopy procedure, and prepare for your recovery.

Reasons for the Procedure

This procedure may be performed for a number of reasons. Looking for urinary tract problems or investigating urinary symptoms are the most common reasons to undergo this procedure. Cystoscopy can help doctors investigate the causes of painful urination, blood in the urine, urine retention, urinary urgency, and incontinence. Doctors can also look for problems such as urethral blockages that are caused by tumors or kidney stones.

This procedure can also be used to treat some urinary conditions. If the ureters have narrowed, doctors may place a stent in the ureter to help urine flow to the bladder from the kidneys. Doctors can also remove urinary stones, treater bladder bleeding, or remove tumors from the urinary tract.

How the Procedure is Performed

The cystoscopy procedure may be performed under local or general anesthesia. If it is being performed under general anesthesia, you will not be able to eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the procedure. During the procedure, a cystoscope is inserted into the urethra and advanced to the bladder. Once the scope has been properly placed, saline or sterile water is injected into the bladder to expand it and help the doctors get a better view. Antibiotics may also be injected into the bladder to prevent infection. Other instruments may be inserted into the bladder to collect tissue samples, which are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Recovery

This is a very short procedure, with the cystoscope being in place for as little as two minutes. If you had the procedure under a general anesthetic, you will have to spend time in the recovery room so you can be monitored until you wake up and are able to walk. The recovery period is generally very short, but there may be some side effects of the procedure. Temporary swelling of the urethra is the most common side effect and you may also experience some bleeding.

Some problems may require you to call your doctor after you have had this procedure. Contact your health care provider if you see blood clots after urinating several times, you are unable to urinate 8 hours after the procedure has been completed, you have severe abdominal pain, or you have any of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

Reference

WebMD. “Cystoscopy.” Retrieved May 20, 2009.