There may be other reasons for us to recommend a cystoscopy.

Risks of the procedure:

As with any procedure, complications can occur.  Complications are minor and include, but not limited to following:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Urinary Retention
• Bladder Perforation

Before the procedure:

• We will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have.
• You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives us your permission to do this test.  Read this form carefully and ask any questions if you do not understand.
• The type of fasting required before the procedure will depend on the type of anesthesia that is to be used.  We will give you specific instructions regarding how to fast for the procedure.
• Tell us if you are allergic to any medications, latex, iodine, tape or anesthetic agents.
• Notify us of all medications that you are taking.
• Notify us if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin, coumadin, plavix, persantine and vitamin E.
• If local anesthesia is used, you will be awake during the procedure.

During the procedure:

• Procedure is performed in our office.
• You may be asked to remove some clothing and will be given gown to wear.
• You will be positioned on the examination table on your back.
• A topical anesthetic gel will be inserted into your urethra.
• Once the urethra is numb, we will insert the cystoscope into the urethra.  You may experience some discomfort during the insertion of cystoscope.
• As the cystoscope is passed through the urethra, we will inspect the urethral lining for any abnormalities such as stricture, tumor or lesions.
• Cystoscope is then advanced into the bladder.
• We use sterile water to help expand the bladder for better visualization, you may have urge to urinate or may feel discomfort at this phase of examination.
• We will examine the entire bladder looking for any abnormalities such as tumors, stones, inflammation, smoothness of bladder mucosa.
• The cystoscope will be carefully removed.

After the procedure:

• We will discuss with you and your family all our findings and results.
• You may resume your usual diet and activities.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• A warm sitz or tub bath may be taken to help alleviate discomfort.
• You may notice blood in your urine for a short period of time.  You may have temporary burning when you urinate.  You may have sensation of passing air from your bladder during 1st or 2nd voiding.
• You may be given an antibiotic to take after the procedure.  Be sure to take the medication exactly as prescribed.

Please call us if you are experiencing:

• Fever and/or chills
• Grossly bloody urine
• Unable to urinate
• Constant burning on urination
• Pain on urination after 2-3 days
• You have any questions or concerns.