Day of cystoscopy

Overview

Cystoscopy is a procedure where a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end to look inside your bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body). It helps find problems like infections, stones, or growths.

Yes, cystoscopy is a common outpatient procedure done in hospitals or clinics. Millions are performed each year worldwide.

It is used for people of all ages who have bladder or urinary symptoms, such as blood in urine, pain when peeing, or trouble emptying the bladder. It is also used to check for bladder problems after treatment.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• You may feel a mild sting or pressure as the cystoscope is passed in.
• After the procedure, some people have a burning feeling when peeing for a day or two.
• You might see a small amount of blood in your urine afterwards.

Symptoms in children

• Children may feel nervous; the doctor will explain things in a child-friendly way.
• They may have a sore feeling when peeing for a short time.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may feel more tired after the procedure.
• They might need extra time to recover before going home.

Causes

Main causes

• Cystoscopy is not a disease — it is a diagnostic test. Doctors use it to check for causes of blood in urine, frequent infections, bladder pain, or trouble urinating.
• It may also be used to remove small bladder stones or take tissue samples (biopsy).

Risk factors

• You may need a cystoscopy if you have a history of bladder infections, bladder stones, or bladder cancer.
• Older age and smoking increase the chance of bladder problems that might need this test.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe pain, high fever, or cannot urinate after the procedure — contact your doctor or go to the emergency room.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild burning or a little blood in urine that lasts more than two days, call your doctor's office.
• If you have any questions about recovery or results, schedule a follow-up appointment.

Diagnosis

Cystoscopy itself is a diagnostic procedure. A doctor looks directly at the lining of your bladder and urethra. They may also take a small tissue sample (biopsy) to send to a lab for testing.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test (urinalysis) before the procedure to check for infection.
• Maybe an ultrasound or CT scan if the doctor needs more images.
• During the procedure, a biopsy might be taken if abnormal tissue is seen.

What to expect at your appointment

On the day, you will change into a hospital gown. A nurse will explain what will happen. You will lie on a table with your knees bent. The doctor will put numbing gel into your urethra, then gently insert the cystoscope. You may feel some pressure or a need to pee. The doctor will look and maybe take a sample. The procedure is usually quick. Afterwards, you can dress and go home soon.

Treatment

Cystoscopy is not a treatment itself, but it helps doctors decide what treatment you might need. For example, if a bladder stone is found, it may be removed during the same procedure. If a growth is seen, a biopsy can show if it's cancerous, and then further treatment can be planned.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water for the rest of the day to help flush your bladder and ease stinging.
• Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for 24 hours.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief (like paracetamol) if your doctor says it's okay — never take more than the recommended dose.

Medical treatments

If the cystoscopy finds a problem like an infection, the doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics (always take as directed). If a stone or polyp is found, it may be removed during the procedure or you may need a follow-up surgery. Your doctor will discuss the best approach based on the results.

When is surgery considered?

You may need a separate surgery if a large stone or tumour is found. That would be scheduled after the cystoscopy results are reviewed.

Living with this condition

Most people return to normal activities the next day. You may have a little blood in your urine or a mild burning sensation for a day or two. This is normal.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink extra fluids (water is best) for a couple of days.
• Avoid sexual activity until any discomfort has gone, usually 1–2 days.
• Don’t drive or operate machinery if you had sedation — wait at least 24 hours.

Diet and exercise

You can eat and drink normally as soon as you feel ready. Light activity like walking is fine, but avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. If you had a biopsy, your doctor may give specific advice about activity.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having any medical procedure can make some people anxious. It’s normal to feel worried. Talk to your doctor or nurse about your concerns. Most people find that knowing what to expect helps a lot.

Prevention

Cystoscopy is a test, not a condition, so there is nothing to prevent. However, you can reduce the need for repeat cystoscopies by following your doctor’s advice and not ignoring urinary symptoms.

Complications

If left untreated

• Cystoscopy is generally safe. Rare complications include infection (symptoms: fever, chills, urine that smells bad) or injury to the urethra or bladder.
• If you get an infection after the procedure and do not treat it, it could spread to the kidneys.

Long-term outlook

For most people, cystoscopy causes only minor temporary discomfort and provides valuable information to help doctors choose the right treatment. The outlook is very good — most people recover fully without any long-term effects.

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