�Diagnostic and Surgical Procedures

Cystoscopy

(Cystourethroscopy)

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Definition | Body Parts Involved | Reasons for Procedure | Complications | What to Expect | Outcome | Call Doctor If

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En Espa�ol (Spanish Version)

Definition

Use of a lighted scope to examine the bladder

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:

• Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure
• Arrange for help at home for the first few days after the procedure
• The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight
• You may be asked to shower the morning of your procedure, and you may be given special antibacterial soap to use

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 a sample is retained for testing. The bladder is then filled with sterile water in order to measure the bladder capacity and allow the doctor a better view of the bladder walls. The doctor carefully examines the bladder, urethra, and prostate gland (in male patients). Depending on the reason for this procedure, the doctor may use the cystoscope to remove stones, gather biopsy samples, or treat bladder lesions.

After Procedure � Urine samples and biopsies will be examined in a pathology laboratory

How Long Will It Take? 10-40 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. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication if necessary.

Possible Complications:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Accidental perforation of the bladder wall with the cystoscope

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 doctors guidelines regarding when you may bathe, exercise, and resume 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 after having urinated three times 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

SOURCE:

Campbell's Urology, 7th ed. W.B. Saunders Company, 1998.

Triage Reviewed by EBSCO Medical Review Board in September 2005