Cystoscopy

Reason for doing a Cystoscopy

A cystoscopy is performed to look at the anatomy of the urethra and bladder, and is commonly performed to investigate difficulty passing urine and to investigate blood in the urine.

Do I need to do anything special before my procedure

If you having a local anaesthetic, you can eat and drink as normal, If you are having a sedation, follow the fasting instructions given with your booking details. You may purchase some Ural sachets from your pharmacy and take one sachet three to four times the day before your procedure and then for two days or so after your procedure. You should inform your doctor before the procedure if you have any clotting or bleeding disorders or if you are taking any of the medications listed on the attached sheet.

What occurs during the operation

The doctor performs the procedure by inserting a small telescope into your bladder through your urethra (water pipe). The telescope has a built in light source that allows the doctor to view the inside of your bladder and urethra.

A cystoscopy can be performed under local anaesthetic alone, or with sedation, using a flexible telescope. Simple procedures like stretching a narrowed urethra can be performed at the same time.

A cystoscopy can also be performed under a full General Anaesthetic (GA) with a rigid telescope if it is likely that you need a biopsy or removal of a bladder tumour, or to inspect for foreign bodies.

What to expect post operatively

The most common side effect of the procedure is dysuria, or burning and stinging when you pass urine. This is due to acid in the urine affecting any abrasions in the urethra or bladder from the introduction of the instruments. This can usually be avoided by using a urinary alkaliser such as Ural, for a day before the procedure and a few days afterwards. You will be given some as you recover in the hospital, and should buy some for when you are at home.

Occasionally there will be some blood in the urine, which should stop quickly. It is unusual to have any other pain.

After going home

Use Ural for as many days as you need (3-4 times per day), and keep drinking plenty of fluids.

If you have had the procedure under local anaesthetic alone, there are no restrictions on any activities, including driving. You are safe to go home alone.

If you have had sedation or a GA you should not be going home alone. You should not drive for 12 hours after sedation or 24 hours after a GA. There are no restrictions on other activities after this time.

Potential Complications

If you develop cloudy or smelly urine and temperatures, you may have an infection and will need to see your GP for a test and antibiotics.

Mild bleeding in the urine should pass after a few voids.

If you develop symptoms of an infection or heavy bleeding, Dr Hadley’s office should be notified on 31637400 during office hours and for after hours please follow the prompts.

Post operative appointment

Dr Hadley will catch up with you in his rooms at your post op appointment to discuss his findings. This appointment should have already been made for you at the time of booking your procedure date.