The test is used for diagnosing and treating medical conditions that affect these organs.
What Is a Cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy provides your healthcare provider with a different view that can help lead to a diagnosis.
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
Cystoscopy provides your healthcare provider with a different view that can help lead to a diagnosis.
Limitations
A cystoscopy cannot identify every problem involving the bladder or urethra.
Risks and Contraindications
In most cases, a cystoscopy is a safe, standard procedure without complications.
However, rare complications can occur, such as an infection or injury.
For example, you may be asked to provide a urine sample before ruling out any urine infection.
This decision depends on how complicated your condition is and the findings of your preliminary tests.
Most cystoscopy procedures are performed in your healthcare provider’s office withlocal anesthesia.
Your medical team can give you a more specific estimate based on your symptoms and preliminary imaging tests.
Cost and Health Insurance
As with most tests, your insurance may require a pre-authorization request.
Before the Surgery
You will be asked to fill out several forms before your test.
Local anesthetics used for a cystoscopy are typically in the form of a gel or other jelly-like substance.
If you are to receive this, it will be inserted into the urethra.
During the Procedure
The cystoscope will then be inserted into the urinary opening.
It will make its way to your bladder, with your healthcare provider’s help, via the urethra.
Your healthcare provider may use a flexible or rigid cystoscope, which are generally the same size.
There are advantages to each.
Blue light cystoscopy may be better for detecting bladder cancer.
A solution of saline or sterile water will be inserted into your bladder via the cystoscope once in position.
The solution expands the bladder, allowing your healthcare provider to get a more detailed view.
You may feel some pressure at this point.
You will be directed to a restroom or provided with a bedpan; ask for assistance, if needed.
If you have general anesthesia, it will take an hour or so to feel awake.
If a tissue sample was collected, it will be sent to a lab for testing.
This is normal and can be expected for up to 24 hours after the procedure.
The follow-up plan depends on your results.
For example, if you have a urethral stricture, this may need to be repaired with a procedure.
Treatment will depend on what is causing your symptoms.
Summary
Your healthcare provider may recommend a cystoscopy if you have bladder or urethra issues.
This will enable them to make an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment to relieve your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
As of right now, there are no regular alternatives for a cystoscopy.
A cystoscopy does not generally hurt.
If you are under general anesthesia, you will be asleep for it.
If not, the area will be numbed with local anesthetic.
You may feel some discomfort, but if you are in pain, let your healthcare provider know.
Not long at all!
You’ll be able to go home the same day, shortly after your procedure is finished.
After a day or two, you should start feeling back to normal.
This is a rare complication of a cystoscopy.
It can happen if the scope perforates the bladder wall.
There are risks to every procedure.
Your healthcare provider should go over all possible risks before you consent to the procedure.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Cystoscopy & ureteroscopy.
