Cystoscopy: What to Expect

A short office procedure to look inside the bladder. Most people find it far easier than they expected.

What it is and why we do it

Cystoscopy uses a thin, flexible scope with a camera and light, passed through the urethra into the bladder, to look directly at the lining. It is the only way to see the inside of the bladder reliably — no scan substitutes for it.

We perform cystoscopy to evaluate blood in the urine, investigate recurrent infections or urinary symptoms, survey for recurrence after bladder cancer, assess the prostate before BPH surgery, and place or remove stents.

Before your appointment

Take your usual medications unless told otherwise. Most blood thinners do not need to be stopped for a diagnostic cystoscopy — check with us rather than stopping on your own. Eat normally. You will give a urine sample when you arrive so we can be sure there is no active infection. Antibiotics are given only in selected situations.

You may drive yourself to and from an office cystoscopy; no sedation is used.

During the procedure

You will lie on an exam table. The area is cleaned and a numbing lubricant is placed in the urethra, which needs a few minutes to take effect. The scope is then passed gently while sterile fluid fills the bladder so the lining can be seen clearly.

The whole thing usually takes about five minutes. You will feel pressure and an urge to urinate, and a brief stinging as the scope passes. It is uncomfortable rather than painful for most people, and it is over quickly. If you would like to watch the monitor, say so — many people find it reassuring.

Afterward

Expect some burning with urination and possibly light pink urine for a day or two. Both settle. Drinking extra fluid for the first day helps flush the bladder and shortens the irritation. You can return to normal activity immediately.

We can often tell you what we saw right away. If a biopsy was taken, results follow in about a week.