Cystoscopy

If you have bladder problems, like blood in your urine or chronic (frequent) urinary tract infections (UTIs), your health care provider may recommend a cystoscopy. A cystoscopy is a medical procedure that looks inside your urethra and bladder.

At Banner Health, our urology team is here to help you understand what happens before, during and after this procedure and answer any questions you may have.

What is a cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a medical test your urologist may use to look inside the urethra (the tube where urine leaves your body) and bladder. It’s also called a cystourethroscopy or a bladder scope.

Urologists use a thin, lighted tube with a tiny camera or viewing lens (cystoscope) to view the inside. The test helps your provider check for problems like tumors, blockages or bladder stones. Sometimes, they may also perform procedures like removing small bladder stones or taking tissue samples (a biopsy) for testing.

Types of cystoscopy

The two types of cystoscopes are flexible and rigid:

1. Flexible cystoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end. Urologists often use this type to gently follow the natural path of the urethra and examine the inside of the bladder.
2. Rigid cystoscopy uses a hard, straight tube with a camera on the end. Urologists may choose this option if you have biopsies taken or need treatment for a problem. A rigid cystoscopy is usually done under general anesthesia, so you are asleep for the test.

Why may I need a cystoscopy?

You may need a cystoscopy if you have problems with your bladder or urethra. Some common reasons your provider may recommend a cystoscopy include:

• Frequent (recurrent) urinary tract infections
• Blood in your urine (hematuria)
• Urinary incontinence (unable to control when you urinate) or retention (unable to empty your bladder)
• Urinating more frequently than usual (overactive bladder)
• Pain or burning when you urinate 
• Problems passing urine due to an enlarged prostate or a narrowing (stricture) of the urethra
• Bladder tumor or cancer
• Bladder stones and inflammation (cystitis)
• Monitor the progress of certain conditions

Possible complications of a cystoscopy

Cystoscopies are generally safe procedures, but like any medical treatment they carry potential risks. These risks, though rare, include:

• Bleeding
• Urine infection (like a UTI)
• Damage or small tear to the bladder or urethra
• Bladder spasms
• Reaction to the medication (sedative or general anesthesia) that helps you relax and sleep during the procedure

If you have any worries or questions about getting a cystoscopy, it's important to talk to your provider. They’ll help you understand everything and keep you safe during the procedure.

How to prepare for a cystoscopy

Your provider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare, but here are a few steps to make sure everything goes smoothly:

• Sign a consent form: You may be asked to sign a form giving your provider permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask your provider if anything is unclear.
• Adjust medications: Your provider may ask you to adjust or temporarily stop your medications and/or dosage, especially blood thinners, to reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure. If you have ongoing conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, your provider will give you specific instructions about your medications.
• Take antibiotics: Your provider may prescribe antibiotics before and after your test, especially if you have an infection.
• Make arrangements: A rigid cystoscopy may be done under sedation or general anesthesia. In that case, you will be instructed when to stop eating and drinking. You will also need to have someone take you home afterward.

Let your provider know if you have allergies or reactions to medications, latex or tape and if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

What to expect during a cystoscopy

How a cystoscopy is performed may depend on your condition and your provider’s practices. In general, a cystoscopy follows this process:

• You may be asked to undress from the waist down and wear a hospital gown.   
• You may be asked to pee and empty your bladder before the procedure.
• You will lie on a bed or table with your head propped up. You’ll likely place your feet in stirrups, similar to a pelvic exam.
• For a rigid cystoscopy: You may be given a sedative medicine through an intravenous (IV) line to help you relax and feel sleepy. 
• For a flexible cystoscopy: A numbing medication or a local anesthetic may be applied to your urethra to help prevent pain when the scope is inserted.
• A lubricated cystoscope is gently inserted through your urethra into your bladder. 
• Sterile water may be passed down through the scope to fill the bladder, making it easier to see its lining and wall. During this process, you may feel the need to pee.
• Your provider may take tissue samples for lab testing.
• When the exam is done, the cystoscope will be taken out.

The procedure may take five to 30 minutes. A rigid cystoscopy usually takes longer than a flexible cystoscopy.

Recovery from a cystoscopy

After the procedure, you may experience mild side effects, such as a burning sensation when peeing, but this should improve quickly. You may also notice pinkish-colored blood in your urine. This is normal and should clear up within a few days.

If you received sedation or anesthesia, you may feel a little groggy or sleepy for a short time. You will need to have someone bring you home after the procedure. 

Your provider will provide specific instructions on how to care for yourself after the procedure. Call your provider immediately if you have any of the following:

• Fever and chills
• Can’t pee afterward
• Pain or burning that doesn’t get better after pain medicine or a few days
• Symptoms of a UTI
• Stomach pain and nausea

Call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency department if you experience any of the following:

• Bright red blood or heavy blood clots in your urine
• Sudden chest pain
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing or gasping for air 
• Sudden loss of consciousness

How do I understand my results?

Your provider will discuss the results of your cystoscopy with you. If problems are found, they will explain what they mean and discuss the next steps, such as further tests or treatments.

Expert care 

Has your health care provider suggested a cystoscopy? At Banner Health, we provide compassionate, expert care to support your urinary health. Contact us today if you have questions about cystoscopy or other medical procedures. We offer a comfortable environment and advanced technology for your endoscopy needs.