Treatment

A cystoscopy is performed by the urologist to have a close look at the bladder, urethra (the canal from which you pass urine) and in males the inside of the prostate gland.

It is done by passing a thin, flexible, telescopic instrument called a cystoscope, through the urethra and into the bladder. Lubricating gel that contains local anaesthetic is used to numb the area and guide the cystoscope up into the bladder. This means that you do not need to be put to sleep for the procedure and there are no injections or needles

A flexible cystoscopy is required to see what is going on in the bladder and urethra. It is useful in seeing if stones are in the bladder and to detect any changes in the bladder lining, such as inflammation, infection, cancer or scarring. It is also used in men to see if there is any enlargement of the prostate gland, which can cause a blockage and make it difficult to pass urine.

During a flexible cystoscopy, treatments can also be given. If necessary, the doctor can take tissue samples (biopsies) or remove stents (a small internal tube) from patients who have had these put in during previous surgery.

Your Operation

Before the cystoscopy, you may be asked to go to the toilet to empty your bladder. The nurse will then prepare you by positioning you comfortably, lying flat on a bed.

The doctor then inserts lubricating anaesthetic gel into the urethra, through a thin plastic nozzle.

Looking through the viewing lens the doctor then guides the cystoscope up the urethra and into the bladder. Sterile fluid is passed through a narrow channel within the cystoscope into the bladder that keeps the front of the viewing telescope clear. Because of this, the bladder is usually full of sterile fluid at the end of the procedure and you may feel that you need to go to the toilet.

After Surgery

Once the procedure is finished, the doctor will let you know what was seen and your own doctor will be written a letter about what the findings were. If you need further treatment due to what the doctor has found you may need to be admitted to the hospital at a later stage. The doctor will discuss this with you and the nurse will give you further information and explanations about any further treatment that you may require.

Flexible cystoscopies usually only take a few minutes to do and you are able to return home straight afterward.

Once Home

It is important to increase your fluid intake over the 24 hours following your procedure. This helps to prevent infection and clear up any slight bleeding. You know you are drinking enough if your urine is a pale yellow to clear colour. For this to happen you will need to drink about 1500mls (8 glasses) of fluid a day. Water is the best fluid to drink, however any fluid is O.K.

After the procedure, your urine may be lightly blood stained and because urine is naturally acidic, you may experience slight ‘stinging’ when emptying the bladder. This is normal and clears within a day or so, so please do not be alarmed. This can be treated by adding Ural or Citravescent powder to your drinking water, which are readily available at any chemist.

If you are unable to pass urine, have persistent ‘burning’ or ‘stinging’ pain, have any signs of an urine infection, or any heavy bleeding that does not disappear, then please contact your own doctor who will be happy to advise you.

While you are in hospital, we will do everything we can to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The nursing and medical staff are always available to help with whatever needs you have. If you are worried about anything before or after your surgery, or if you have any further questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to ask your nurse who will be more than happy to help.