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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy is an exam used to evaluate for abnormalities within the bladder itself. It is often used as part of the evaluation for patients who have blood in the urine (hematuria). It is a simple 5 to 10 minute procedure performed with anesthetic in which a camera attached to a thin flexible tube is placed into the bladder through the urethra to directly visualize the lining of bladder.
What are the side effects of cystoscopy?
The vast majority of patients tolerate the procedure very well. Side effects can include minor bleeding or burning with urination (which is self limited), temporary irritative urinary symptoms, urinary infection (minimal risk due to the administration of a single antibiotic at the time of the procedure), and the small risk of scarring. The procedure entails no increased risk compared to the placement of a simple urinary catheter for bladder drainage. The side effects are self limited and tend to resolve within 24 hours of the procedure.
Are there any limitations after the procedure?
There are no activity or dietary restrictions after a cystoscopy is performed. If an intravenous anesthetic is used for your procedure, then certain restrictions may be associated with the anesthetic for that day (ie driving restrictions).
How is a bladder biopsy performed?
This is usually a simple outpatient procedure utilizing endoscopic techniques (no skin incisions) to scrape the tumor from the bladder wall (called transurethral resection). When the tumor is superficial (confined within the lining of the bladder) and not aggressive (low grade) often this is all that is required to remove the cancer.
Will I need a bladder catheter after the procedure?
Depending on the depth of the tumor and resection, some patients may require a catheter for a short period of time in order to enhance healing by preventing the bladder from distending. In other instances, no catheter may be required.
What are common side effects?
Common side effects include blood in the urine (self limited), a small risk of infection and scarring, as well as transient burning, urgency and frequency with urination.
Are there any limitations after the procedure?
For the majority of patients, our physicians may advise certain limitations on strenuous activity and lifting for 1 to 2 weeks in order to prevent persistent blood in the urine. There are usually minimal restrictions on driving and normal activities of daily living.
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