Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is the internal examination of the lower urinary tract, using a fibreoptic telescope. This includes the urethra and bladder in men and women, and the prostate in men. A vaginal examination is often included in women, to assess for vaginal prolapse and incontinence of urine.

Cystoscopy is used to diagnose the cause of haematuria (blood in the urine), UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) and LUTS (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms) including reduced urinary stream, frequency, urgency, incontinence or pain.

Cystoscopy can also be used to treat various problems in the lower urinary tract including:

  •  Bladder tumours or polyps are resected (TURBT) and biopsy specimens sent for pathology, or destroyed with holmium laser.
  •  Inflammation and contraction of the bladder, treated with bladder hydrodilation.
  •  Obstruction of the prostate or bladder neck in men, treated with transurethral incision or resection (TUIP or TURP).
  •  Urethral strictures treated with dilation or transurethral incision.

 

Procedure

Cystoscopy is usually scheduled as a day case procedure, with either intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia, such that you will not feel pain or discomfort during the procedure.

The results of the cystoscopy will be explained to you with a brief consultation before you leave hospital. If a biopsy has been taken, the results will be available usually within 2-3 working days. Depending on the results of the biopsy pathology report, further treatment may be necessary.

Sometimes a urinary catheter is required after a cystoscopy, which may then necessitate you remain in hospital for 1-2 days. The catheter is removed for a trial of voiding, and then you will be home again with the following instructions.


Post Surgery

Following your bladder examination/operation you may experience one or more of the following:

  •  Difficulty in commencing urinary flow.
  •  Frequency and urgency of urination.
  •  Burning or stinging on urination.
  •  A small amount of blood in the urine.

If any of these symptoms do occur they are usually of short duration and will resolve naturally within the first forty eight hours following your procedure. It there is any difficulty in passing urine it is important to relax, take two Panadol, have a hot drink and if necessary pass urine in the shower or bath.

In the unlikely event that these measures fail to start your urine flowing and you are experiencing a build up of urine in the bladder, or symptoms such as persistent or worsening burning or bleeding or frequency, then you should contact Urology Associates.

Once the effects of your anaesthetic wear off and providing you are not experiencing any nausea, then you should gradually increase the amount of fluid you drink over the first twenty four hour period following your procedure.

Normal diet may resume unless otherwise instructed. You can resume normal activities when you feel able.

You should not drive a motor vehicle/operate machinery for twenty four hours after the procedure.

 

Admission

You will receive separate information about preparation for cystoscopy, including fasting, hospital admission location/time, medications and surgical fees.
If you are unsure of any aspect of the procedure please contact Urology Associates before your admission.