Cystoscopy

Risks

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

Before You Go

• Your doctor will set a time after which you MUST NOT eat or drink. Be sure to follow these directions exactly.
• If your doctor says you need to clear your bowel before the cystoscopy, you may have to take a laxative.

What to Expect While You're There

• Taking Your Vital Signs: These include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
• During the Cystoscopy...
  • You will lie on your back with a sheet covering you. You will need to bend your knees and slide your feet into metal stirrups. The area around the urethra will be washed with soap and water.
  • A soft tube will be gently inserted in the urethra and threaded into the bladder. The tube has a light and camera lenses on its tip. Pictures of the bladder and urethra will appear on a TV-like screen. You may feel the urge to urinate during this procedure.
  • To see how much your bladder can hold, the doctor may run liquid through the tube. A sample of bladder tissue and urine may be taken for study.
  • The entire procedure will take about 20 to 30 minutes.

After You Leave

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 2 weeks.
• Do not have sexual relations until your doctor tells you that healing is complete.
• You may notice a small amount of blood in your urine. This should go away in 24 hours.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.

Call Your Doctor If...

• Urinating becomes painful or difficult.
• You develop a temperature of more than 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C).

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You have blood specks in your urine or your urine turns a bright or dark red color.