Definition

Cystoscopy requires using a lighted scope to examine the bladder.

	Cystoscopy of the Bladder
	© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Parts of the Body Involved

Urinary opening, urethra, urinary bladder

Reasons for Procedure

Cystoscopy is performed to investigate the following symptoms:

• Repeated urinary tract infections
• Blood in the urine
• Incontinence
• Frequent urination
• Dribbling after urination
• Pain
• Difficulty urinating

The abnormalities that can be diagnosed through cystoscopy include:

• Tumors
• Bladder stones
• Inflammation
• Cysts
• Outpouchings of the bladder wall ( diverticula )
• Open sores ( ulcers )
• Polyps
• Narrowing of the urethra
• Enlargement of the prostate gland

Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure

• Active infection
• Diabetes
• Bleeding disorder
• Pregnancy

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

• In nearly every case, cystoscopy is done in the office setting under a local anesthetic, using a comfortable, flexible cystoscope. On some occasions, a rigid scope is used. This is more common when the procedure is done in the hospital under anesthesia .
• No significant preparation is necessary in nearly all cases.
• If you have cardiac valvular problems, in some cases your doctor may ask you to take antibiotics to prevent your heart from becoming infected.
• In rare cases, your doctor may decide to perform a diagnostic cystoscopy under a general anesthetic —usually done when patients are unable to tolerate a cystoscopic examination in the office. In these cases, you will need to arrange to have someone drive you home and avoid drinking or eating after midnight the night before the procedure.

During Procedure

Light sedation, anesthesia

Anesthesia

Local or general

Description of the Procedure

You lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups. The doctor inserts the cystoscope through the urinary opening, into the urethra, and advances it into the bladder. The bladder is drained of urine, and sometimes a sample is retained for testing. The bladder is then filled with sterile water which allows the doctor a better view of the bladder walls. The doctor carefully examines the bladder, urethra, and prostate gland (in male patients). Any urologic abnormalities that are present are recorded.

After Procedure

If you need treatment for any significant findings discovered by the cystoscopy, your doctor will discuss this with you before you leave the office.

How Long Will It Take?

5-10 minutes

Will It Hurt?

If you are given general anesthesia, you won't feel any pain during the procedure. If you are given 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. Also, some blood in the urine may be seen for a few days. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics if necessary.

Possible Complications

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

Average Hospital Stay

None

Postoperative Care

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

Outcome

Your doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of your symptoms.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

• Inability to urinate, or feeling that you are not able to completely empty your bladder
• Persistent blood in your urine following the procedure
• Pain, burning, urgency, or frequency of urination
• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Pain in your abdomen, side, or back after the procedure
• Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting

RESOURCES:

MedLine Plus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov

References:

Campbell's Urology , 7th ed. WB Saunders Company; 1998.

ThirdAge WWW