How a cystoscopy is carried out

Before your appointment to have a cystoscopy, you'll be sent information and instructions to follow.

If you're having a Local anaesthetic you can eat and drink normally on the day of the appointment.

If you're having a spinal anaesthetic ( epidural )or general anaesthetic , you won't be able to eat or drink for several hours before the procedure.

A cystoscopy is carried out using an instrument called a cystoscope (athin, fibre-optic tube that has alightand camera at one end). The type of anaesthetic you'll need will depend on whether a rigid (straight) or flexiblecystoscope is used. Flexible cystoscopes are usually used under local anaesthetic, whereas general or epidural anaesthetic is used with a rigid cystoscope.

Most prescription medication can be taken as usual on the day of your appointment. However, you may not be able to take aspirin , warfarin or ibuprofen , because they could cause excessive bleeding during the procedure.

If you're taking one of these medications, contact the hospital for advice before your appointment. You may have to temporarily stop taking the medication.

Before the procedure,your doctorwill explain what will happen andthe risks involved. You'll be asked to sign aconsent form toshow you have understood and to give permission for the procedure to be carried out.

You may alsobe asked to provide a urine sample, so it can be checked for signs of infection. The procedure may notgo aheadifyou have aninfection.

The cystoscopy procedure

In most cases, a cystoscopy can be carried out on an outpatient basis, which meansyou'll be able to go home on the same day.

If you're having a local anaesthetic, an anaesthetic gel will be applied to your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) to numb it. If you're having an epidural or general anaesthetic, you'll be given an injection of anaesthetic either in your spine (epidural) or in the back of your hand (general anaesthetic).

Your genitals will be cleaned with an antiseptic and a sterile paper sheet will be placed over the surrounding area.

The cystoscope will be lubricated with a special gel before being gently inserted into your urethra and passed into your bladder. Sterile watermay be pumped through the cystoscope to expand your bladder. This enables the urologist (a specialist in treating bladder conditions) to get a clearer view.

If local anaesthetic is used, you may be able to see images transmitted toa television monitor by the cystoscope. A nurse will stay with you during the procedure to explain what's happening.

The cystoscope will usually be kept inside your bladder for anywhere between 2 and 10 minutes.

After a cystoscopy, you mayneed togo tothe toilet, so the sterile water can be passed out of your system. You may alsobe prescribed antibiotics to reduceyour risk of developing a bladder infection.