A cystoscopy is a procedure that examines the bladder with a lighted scope. The scope allows your doctor to look through the urethra and into the bladder. The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
Cystoscopy may be done to investigate the following symptoms:
- Repeated urinary tract infections
- Blood in the urine
- Urinary incontinence
- Frequent urination
- Dribbling after urination
- Painful urination
- Difficulty urinating
Some abnormalities can be diagnosed through cystoscopy, including:
- Tumors
- Bladder stones
- Inflammation
- Cysts
- Pouches on the bladder wall
- Ulcers on the bladder wall
- Polyps
- Narrowing of the urethra
- Enlargement of the prostate gland in men
Description of the Procedure
Local anesthesia helps to prevent pain during the procedure. Your doctor inserts a cystoscope through your urinary opening into the urethra and the bladder. Your doctor drains your bladder and takes a sample for testing. Next, your doctor fills your bladder with sterile water or saline solution to allow a better view of the bladder walls.
The procedure takes about 15 minutes. You may feel some discomfort or the urge to urinate when your doctor fills your bladder.
Post-procedure Care
After the procedure, you may experience a burning sensation or see small amounts of blood when you urinate. To help with your recovery at home:
- Drink plenty of fluids for the first few hours after the procedure.
- Take any prescriptions your doctor provides.
Possible Complications
Your doctor will review potential problems, which may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Rarely, accidental damage of the bladder wall with the cystoscope
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
- Smoking
- Active infection
- Diabetes
- Bleeding disorder
Content was created using EBSCO’s Health Library. Edits to original content made by Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
