How do they prep you for a cystoscopy?

You can usually eat and drink as normal before a flexible cystoscopy. Before the procedure starts, you'll be asked to undress from the waist down and put on a hospital gown. You may be asked to pee into a container so it can be checked for an infection. The procedure may be delayed if a urine infection is found.


What prep is needed for a cystoscopy?

Preparation for Cystoscopy

There is no “prep” required. There is no need to come in with a full bladder. We will ask you to empty the bladder prior to the procedure. You may eat before your visit.

Do they numb you before a cystoscopy?

Your doctor will insert the cystoscope.

A numbing jelly will be applied to your urethra to help prevent pain when the cystoscope is inserted. After waiting a few minutes for the numbing, your doctor will carefully push the cystoscope into your urethra, using the smallest scope possible.


How long does a cystoscopy procedure take?

A diagnostic cystoscopy usually only takes about five minutes, but may take a little longer. If you're having a biopsy or treatment, the procedure may take longer. During a cystoscopy, your doctor: Slides a lubricated cystoscope through the urethra to the bladder.

How painful is a cystoscopy?

It may look like cystoscopy will be painful, but it does not usually cause distressing levels of pain. Some discomfort will be experienced during the procedure and when the scope is inserted inside the urinary opening, but your doctor will do their best to be gentle and cause the least pain.


Preoperative information prior to a cystoscopy



How long should you rest after a cystoscopy?

After a rigid cystoscopy:
  1. rest at home for a day or two – you may need to take a couple of days off work.
  2. make sure someone stays with you for the first 24 hours.
  3. don't drive or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.


How can I make my cystoscopy less painful?

Lidocaine gel in rigid cystoscopy

In women, intraurethral instillation of lidocaine gel was compared with direct application of lidocaine spray. Both agents lowered pain levels, but the delivery of lidocaine spray caused a mild discomfort [23] (Table 2).

Should you rest after a cystoscopy?

After a rigid cystoscopy: rest at home for a day or two – you may need to take a couple of days off work. make sure someone stays with you for the first 24 hours. do not drive or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.


Can you walk after a cystoscopy?

Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation. Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay.

How embarrassing is a cystoscopy?

Cystoscopy may be an embarrassing procedure for the patient. Exposure and handling of the genitalia must be performed with respect. The patient should remain exposed only as long as is necessary to complete the evaluation.

Can you drive home after a cystoscopy?

While this procedure can provoke anxiety, it is tolerated very well. You will be able to drive home after the office procedure without difficulty.


How long does it hurt to pee after cystoscopy?

After the cystoscopy, your urethra may be sore at first, and it may burn when you urinate for the first few days after the procedure. You may feel the need to urinate more often, and your urine may be pink. These symptoms should get better in 1 or 2 days.

What are the side effects of having a cystoscopy?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common complications of a cystoscopy. These are infections of the bladder, kidneys, or small tubes connected to them. Symptoms of a UTI can include: a burning sensation when peeing that lasts longer than 2 days.

Is cystoscopy considered a surgery?

Cystoscopy is a surgical procedure. This is done to see the inside of the bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted tube.


Do you have to have a catheter after a cystoscopy?

For a variety of reasons, urinary retention (inability to urinate) can occur after cystoscopy. This will generally require the placement of a catheter to drain the bladder. Swelling caused by the procedure can obstruct the flow of urine.

Does numbing gel work for cystoscopy?

The use of lidocaine gel during diagnostic flexible cystoscopy in women is based on surgeon preference and experience, and use of either plain or anesthetic gel, is currently acceptable clinical practice.

Do they give pain meds for cystoscopy?

You may take an over the counter Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen prior to the study if you'd like. Most people do not need any pain medication.


Is a cystoscopy serious?

A cystoscopy is usually a very safe procedure and serious complications are rare. The main risks are: a urinary tract infection (UTI) – which may need to be treated with antibiotics.

Why would a urologist order a cystoscopy?

Cystoscopy can help find problems with the urinary tract. This may include early signs of cancer, infection, narrowing, blockage, or bleeding. To do this procedure, a long, flexible, lighted tube, called a cystoscope, is put into the urethra and moved up into the bladder.

What antibiotic is given after a cystoscopy?

Class Summary. The recommended antibiotic prophylaxis includes a single dose of either a fluoroquinolone or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Alternatively, an aminoglycoside (with or without ampicillin), a first- or second-generation cephalosporin, or amoxicillin-clavulanate may be administered.


What should you not drink after a cystoscopy?

Because of the raw urinary tract surfaces, alcohol, spicy foods, and drinks with caffeine may cause some irritation or frequency of urination and should be used in moderation. To keep your urine flowing freely and to avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids during the day (8-10 glasses.) Water is best.

Can I avoid cystoscopy?

For the majority of men, cystoscopy for the investigation of LUTS can be avoided. The data suggest there is really only a need for cystoscopy in men with LUTS to exclude suspected bladder or urethral pathology and/or before minimally invasive surgical therapies if the findings may change treatment.

Does a cystoscopy check kidneys?

A urologist will use a cystoscope to look at your kidneys, bladder, and urethra to identify the cause of blood in your urine. Cystoscopy can also be used to place a stent or remove a stent that was placed during surgery, such as a kidney transplant or kidney stones procedure.


Is a cystoscopy more painful for a man or woman?

Men reported significantly higher pain levels than women 2.6 ± 1.5 vs. 2.4 ± 1.4 (P < 0.04). The highest mean pain level was reported by men (3.4 ± 1.6) and women (2.5 ± 1.6) for rigid cystoscopy compared to flexible cystoscopy (2.5 ± 1.4 and 1.1 ± 1.9, respectively, P < 0.001).

Can I be sedated for a flexible cystoscopy?

Flexible cystoscopy uses a fine flexible telescope and can be performed under local anaesthesia (using local anaesthetic gel inserted into the urethra) while the patient is wide awake. Patients can therefore drive themselves home. Flexible cystoscopy can also be performed in hospital with sedation.