Bladder Exam - Cystoscopy
This is an examination of the bladder and urethra using a special tube with a light and camera on the end.
Cystoscopy is an examination of the bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end (cystoscope). The procedure is also called cystourethroscopy.
- The bladder is a hollow organ that holds urine. The urethra is the tube that urine goes through as it leaves the bladder and exits the body.
- The cystoscope is inserted into the urethra and then moved up into the bladder.
This test can help diagnose a variety of urinary tract conditions, including polyps, cancer and bladder infections. It can also help find the cause of unexplained painful urination.
Cystoscopy can be done with either a rigid cystoscope or a flexible cystoscope. You will need to lie on your back for the examination. If you are a female, you will need to put your feet in stirrups, similar to when you have a Pap smear or other vaginal examination.
- You may have some discomfort when the cystoscope is inserted and your bladder is filled with water. Although filling your bladder is uncomfortable, it is necessary for the doctor to see the entire lining of the bladder.
- You may feel a quick pinching if a piece of abnormal tissue is taken for a biopsy.
- After the test, it may hurt to urinate and there may be a small amount of blood in your urine. These symptoms should clear up after you urinate a few times.
- Drinking extra fluids for several days may help lessen the discomforts you may feel after the test.
Prior to the procedure, tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and supplements). Ask about specific instructions you should follow before and after the procedure. These may include:
- Medications you should not take before the surgery, such as blood thinners
- Regular medications you should take on the day of your procedure
- How many hours you should stop eating and drinking before the procedure
You should make plans to have someone drive you home after the exam.
Prior to the procedure, tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and supplements). Ask about specific instructions you should follow before and after the procedure. These may include:
- Medications you should not take before the surgery, such as blood thinners
- Regular medications you should take on the day of your procedure
- How many hours you should stop eating and drinking before the procedure
You should make plans to have someone drive you home after the exam.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having a cystoscopy?
- What is my diagnosis and reason for the procedure?
- What are the possible complications of this procedure?
- Are there any alternatives to this procedure? What are the benefits and risks of each?
- Is there any special preparation for the procedure? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- Will I have any type of sedation? What are the possible side effects?
- How will I feel after the procedure and will I have to modify my activity?
After your cystoscopy, your healthcare provider should provide a description of any problems found during the procedure, how they were handled and what symptoms you should report. You should also understand all home care instructions, including:
- Medications and side effects
- Follow-up plans
- How and when you will be notified of any biopsy results, if performed
After your cystoscopy, your healthcare provider should provide a description of any problems found during the procedure, how they were handled and what symptoms you should report. You should also understand all home care instructions, including:
- Medications and side effects
- Follow-up plans
- How and when you will be notified of any biopsy results, if performed
Source UHC.com
Also known as:
Urethra ScopeScopePainful UrinationFrequent UrinationExam of UrethraExam of BladderCystourethroscopyCystoscopyBurning UrinationBladder ScopeBladder Exam - CystoscopyBad Smelling Urine
Cystoscopy is an examination of the bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end (cystoscope). The procedure is also called cystourethroscopy.
- The bladder is a hollow organ that holds urine. The urethra is the tube that urine goes through as it leaves the bladder and exits the body.
- The cystoscope is inserted into the urethra and then moved up into the bladder.
This test can help diagnose a variety of urinary tract conditions, including polyps, cancer and bladder infections. It can also help find the cause of unexplained painful urination.
Cystoscopy can be done with either a rigid cystoscope or a flexible cystoscope. You will need to lie on your back for the examination. If you are a female, you will need to put your feet in stirrups, similar to when you have a Pap smear or other vaginal examination.
- You may have some discomfort when the cystoscope is inserted and your bladder is filled with water. Although filling your bladder is uncomfortable, it is necessary for the doctor to see the entire lining of the bladder.
- You may feel a quick pinching if a piece of abnormal tissue is taken for a biopsy.
- After the test, it may hurt to urinate and there may be a small amount of blood in your urine. These symptoms should clear up after you urinate a few times.
- Drinking extra fluids for several days may help lessen the discomforts you may feel after the test.
Prior to the procedure, tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and supplements). Ask about specific instructions you should follow before and after the procedure. These may include:
- Medications you should not take before the surgery, such as blood thinners
- Regular medications you should take on the day of your procedure
- How many hours you should stop eating and drinking before the procedure
You should make plans to have someone drive you home after the exam.
Prior to the procedure, tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and supplements). Ask about specific instructions you should follow before and after the procedure. These may include:
- Medications you should not take before the surgery, such as blood thinners
- Regular medications you should take on the day of your procedure
- How many hours you should stop eating and drinking before the procedure
You should make plans to have someone drive you home after the exam.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having a cystoscopy?
- What is my diagnosis and reason for the procedure?
- What are the possible complications of this procedure?
- Are there any alternatives to this procedure? What are the benefits and risks of each?
- Is there any special preparation for the procedure? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- Will I have any type of sedation? What are the possible side effects?
- How will I feel after the procedure and will I have to modify my activity?
After your cystoscopy, your healthcare provider should provide a description of any problems found during the procedure, how they were handled and what symptoms you should report. You should also understand all home care instructions, including:
- Medications and side effects
- Follow-up plans
- How and when you will be notified of any biopsy results, if performed
After your cystoscopy, your healthcare provider should provide a description of any problems found during the procedure, how they were handled and what symptoms you should report. You should also understand all home care instructions, including:
- Medications and side effects
- Follow-up plans
- How and when you will be notified of any biopsy results, if performed
Source UHC.com
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