Cystoscopy is a procedure to see the inside of the bladder and urethra.

Cystoscopy is performed with a cystoscope, a specialized endoscope (a tube with a small camera on the end). There are 2 types of cystoscopes; the standard, rigid cystoscope and the flexible cystoscope.

The way the cystoscope is inserted varies, but the test is the same. Which cystoscope your doctor uses depends on the purpose of the exam.

If the standard rigid cystoscope is used, you will lie on your back with your knees up and apart. If a flexible cystoscope is used, this position will not be necessary.

The procedure usually takes between 5 and 20 minutes. The urethra is cleansed, and a local anesthetic is applied. The scope is then inserted through the urethra into the bladder.

Water or saline is injected through the cystoscope to fill the bladder. As this occurs, you will be asked to describe the feeling. Your answer will reveal information about your condition.

As fluid fills the bladder, it stretches the bladder wall, which lets your health care provider see the entire bladder wall. You will feel the need to urinate when the bladder is full. However, it must remain full until the examination is complete.

If any tissue appears abnormal, a small sample can be taken (biopsy) through the cystoscope and sent to a lab for analysis.

You should make arrangements for someone to take you home from the hospital.

You may feel slight discomfort when the cystoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder. You will feel an uncomfortable, strong need to urinate when your bladder is full.

You may feel a quick pinch if a biopsy is taken. After the cystoscope is removed, the urethra may be sore, and you may feel a burning sensation during urination for a day or two.

• Diagnose and evaluate urinary tract disorders
• Check for cancer of the bladder or urethra
• Diagnose an enlarged prostate (men)
• Help determine the cause of pain during urination
• Diagnose recurrent bladder infections

The bladder wall should appear smooth. The bladder should be normal size, shape, and position. There should be no obstructions, growths, or stones.

• Prostate abnormalities:
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Obstructed prostate
  • Bleeding prostate
• Cysts
• Urethral strictures
• Bladder stones (calculi)
• Tumors
• Polyps
• Diverticula
• Ulcer
• Bladder wall decompression
• Congenital abnormality
• Chronic urethritis
• Irritable bladder
• Traumatic injury of the bladder and urethra

There is some risk of infection, so your health care provider will give you an antibiotic.

There is a slight risk of excessive bleeding when a biopsy is taken, as well as rupture of the bladder wall with the cystoscope or during biopsy.

You must be sure to drink 4 to 6 glasses of water per day after your cystoscopy.

You may notice a small amount of blood in your urine following this procedure. If the bleeding continues after 3 voids (urinations), contact your health care provider.

If you develop pain, chills, fever, or reduced urine output, contact your provider, as these may be signs of infection.