Flexible Cystoscopy

WHAT IS A FLEXIBLE CYSTOSCOPY?

Flexible cystoscopy is the inspection of the urinary bladder using a flexible camera called a cystoscope.

WHAT ARE THE INDICATIONS FOR A CYSTOSCOPY?

There are numerous reasons to do a cystoscopy. Some of the more common ones include:

  • Blood in urine (both visible and non-visible)
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Identification of a growth in the bladder from prior scans
  • Checking for any recurrence of bladder cancer

WHAT DOES A CYSTOSCOPY INVOLVE?

Flexible cystoscopy is done as a day procedure in hospital under a local anesthetic. There is no need to fast for a flexible cystoscopy procedure. You will be asked to come to the hospital 2 hours before your procedure. Once you come to the hospital you will be admitted by the nursing staff. Once admitted you will be taken to the procedure room when it is your turn.

Once in the procedure room, you will be asked to lie on the procedure bed. Dr Vasudevan will prepare the opening to the urethra (tube that leads to the bladder), with antiseptic solution. Then an anesthetic gel is instilled into the urethra to both numb and lubricate the inside of the urethra. The flexible cystoscope is then inserted via the urethra and into the bladder. A small amount of water is instilled via the cystoscope to dilate the bladder so as to see all areas of the bladder properly. Dr Vasudevan will then assess all areas of the bladder to check for any abnormal areas. The entire procedure will only take a few minutes to complete.

MALE

Males not only have a longer urethra than females, but the urethra also passes through the prostate prior to joining the bladder. As a result the cystoscope has to pass through to the prostate in order to check the bladder.

FEMALE

Females have a short urethra that directly leads to the bladder. As such the procedure is generally quicker and easier in females.

Once the procedure is finished, you are taken back to the waiting area where you will be discharged back home.

Since the procedure is under a local anesthetic, you are able to drive yourself back home.

RECEOVERY AFTER FLEXIBLE CYSTOSCOPY

There is no need to restrict your normal daily activities after a flexible cystoscopy. You are free to do all your daily activities as usual.

COMPLICATIONS AFTER FLEXIBLE CYSTOSCOPY

Flexible cystoscopy is considered a very safe and routine procedure. As such serious complications are extremely rare.

However, the following may occur after a flexible cystoscopy:

  • Blood in urine – this if present is mild and will resolve by itself. If you do notice blood in the urine post cystoscopy increase your fluid intake for 24 hours or so.
  • Burning sensation – can be present for a few hours after the cystoscopy and is usually self limiting. If the burning sensation continues for more than 24 hours after the completion of the cystoscopy, please see your doctor to exclude a urinary tract infection (UTI).
  • UTI – if you have fevers and prolonged discomfort when passing urine it may indicate a UTI. Please see your doctor to check your urine for a UTI. Antibiotics will be needed to treat if a UTI is diagnosed.
  • Narrowing of urethra – In very rare situations a cystoscopy may cause scar formation in the urethra causing it to narrow (urethral stricture) and difficulty in passing urine. If present a surgical procedure may be needed to correct this.

FOLLOW-UP WITH DR VASUDEVAN

On completion of the flexible cystoscopy, Dr vasudevan will advise you of any further treatment or follow-up that my be needed.