WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about a cystoscopy?A cystoscopy is a procedure to look inside of your urethra and bladder using a cystoscope. A cystoscope is a small tube with a light and magnifying camera on the end. The procedure is used to diagnose and treat conditions of the bladder, urethra, and prostate. The procedure is also done to remove stones or blood clots from the urethra or bladder. Your healthcare provider may do other tests, such as ureteroscopy, during a cystoscopy. How do I prepare for a cystoscopy? You may need to stop smoking several days before your procedure, if you are having general anesthesia. Tell your healthcare provider what medicines you take. Your healthcare provider will tell you what medicines to take and not to take on the day of your procedure. You may need to stop taking medicines such as anticoagulants, aspirin, and ibuprofen several days before your procedure. He may tell you stop eating after midnight the night before your procedure. You may be asked to drink a large amount of liquids before your procedure. Make plans for someone to drive you home after your procedure. What will happen during a cystoscopy? - You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and pain free during your procedure. Your healthcare provider may give you anesthesia in your spine. With spinal anesthesia the lower part of your body will be numb. You will not feel pain during your procedure. Your healthcare provider may instead use local anesthesia that is put into your urethra and bladder. You will not feel pain, but you may be able to feel some pressure during your procedure. With local anesthesia, you may feel burning or need to urinate when the cystoscope is put in and removed.
- You will be placed on your back and your feet may be placed in stirrups. The cystoscope will be will be placed through your urethra and into your bladder. The urologist will look at the walls of your urethra as the scope goes through to your bladder. Your bladder may be filled with an irrigation liquid to help your urologist see inside of your bladder more clearly. Medical tools may be used to remove tissue or stones. Your urologist may use a special tool to stop bleeding in your bladder. If there are blood clots in your bladder, your healthcare provider will inject an irrigation fluid into your bladder. Then he will use suction to remove the fluid and blood clots.
What will happen after the cystoscopy? After you are fully awake, you will go home. After your cystoscopy, it is normal to have pink-colored urine. It is also normal to have an increased need to urinate. You may have burning when you urinate. If you had general anesthesia, it may take at least 24 hours before you feel like your usual self. What are the risks of a cystoscopy? You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. Swelling caused by the cystoscopy may cause a blockage or slow urine flow. |