Cystoscopy

Test Details

How should I prepare for a cystoscopy?

Depending on the reason for the cystoscopy, you may have an outpatient procedure (go home the same day) or stay overnight in the hospital.

For most diagnostic procedures, your doctor uses a numbing gel so you don’t feel pain in your urethra. For a more invasive treatment cystoscopy, you may need sedation or general anesthesia. If you get sedation or general anesthesia, someone should drive you home after the procedure.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on what to do before the procedure. You may need to not eat or drink for several hours before getting anesthesia. Your preparation will depend on the anesthesia type and why you’re having the cystoscopy. Generally, you will:

• Give a urine sample the day of the procedure to check for a UTI. If you have an infection, you’ll need treatment before you can get a cystoscopy.
• Urinate immediately before the procedure.
• Bring an updated list of medications and supplements.
• Stop taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin®), but check with your provider before doing so.
• Tell your doctor if you might be pregnant. Regional and general anesthesia can harm a developing fetus.

How is a cystoscopy performed?

A cystoscopy may feel uncomfortable, but anesthesia keeps you from feeling pain. A diagnostic cystoscopy usually only takes about five minutes, but may take a little longer. If you’re having a biopsy or treatment, the procedure may take longer.

During a cystoscopy, your doctor:

• Slides a lubricated cystoscope through the urethra to the bladder.
• Injects sterile salt water through the cystoscope into the bladder. A stretched, full bladder makes it easier to see the bladder lining. You may feel like you need to pee.
• Looks at the inside of the bladder and urethra.
• Inserts small instruments through the cystoscope. Your provider uses these tools to remove tissue samples or tumors, if needed.
• Drains the injected liquid from the bladder or asks you to empty your bladder in the restroom.

What should I expect after a cystoscopy?

You may have belly pain, blood-tinged urine or pain when peeing for the first day or two after the procedure. You may also feel like you need to pee often and urgently. These problems should fade within 48 hours.

Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection. To ease side effects, you can:

• Apply a warm, damp washcloth over the urethral opening or relax in a warm bath.
• Drink several glasses of water every day to flush out the bladder.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

What are the potential risks or complications of a cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a relatively low-risk procedure. Potential complications include:

• Bladder infection, perforation or spasms (painful cramps and urine leakage).
• Urethral scarring, narrowing or trauma.
• UTI.