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A cystoscopy is where a doctor looks into the bladder with a
special telescope called a cystoscope.
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What is a cystoscope?
A cystoscope is an thin telescope which is passed into the bladder via the urethra (the tube that takes urine from your bladder to the outside of your body). Flexible cystoscope is a thin, flexible, fibre-optic telescope. It is about as thick as a pencil. As it is flexible, it usually passes easily along the curves of the urethra.The fibre-optics allow a doctor to see around bend as the flexible tip can also be moved easily so a doctor can look at all the inside lining of the bladder.
A doctor can look down the cystoscope, and also pictures can be displayed on a TV monitor.
When is a cystoscopy done?
To help with diagnosis
A cystoscopy may be done to help to find the cause of symptoms such as:
Cystoscopy may also be done to monitor progress of conditions.
Often a cystoscopy is normal. But this may help to rule-out certain causes of your symptoms.
What happens during a cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy is usually done as an outpatient or day case. It is usually done whilst you are awake. Some people are given a sedative to help them to relax.
You need to wear a hospital gown and lie on your back on a couch. The opening to your urethra (outside of the vagina) and the nearby skin will be cleaned. Some 'jelly' is then squirted into the opening of the urethra. The jelly usually contains a local anaesthetic to numb the lining of the urethra. This helps the cystoscope to pass into the urethra with as little discomfort as possible.
The doctor will then gently push the cystoscope up into the bladder. The doctor will look carefully at the lining of the urethra and bladder. Sterile water is passed down a side channel in the cystoscope to slowly fill your bladder. This makes it easier for the doctor to see the lining of the bladder. As your bladder fills you will feel the urge to pass urine which may be uncomfortable.
A cystoscopy takes about 5-10 minutes if it is to just look inside the bladder. The cystoscope is then gently pulled out.
Are there any side-effects or possible complications?
Most cystoscopies are done without any problem. For the next 24 hours you may have a mild burning feeling when you pass urine, and feel the need to go more often than usual. Also, the urine may look pink due to mild bleeding, particularly if a biopsy was taken. Occasionally, a urine infection develops shortly after a cystoscopy. This can cause a fever (high temperature) and pain when you pass urine.