Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is the act of looking into a patient’s bladder with a specially designed telescope, and it is the most common procedure performed by nearly every Urologist. The most common reason to perform this procedure is to investigate hematuria or blood in the urine. Other common reasons would be to look at prostate anatomy, rule out other causes for voiding symptoms, and after surgery on the lower urinary tract.

Cystoscopy is typically done in our office and takes only a minute or two. It is always anxiety-producing, but with the right instruction, it is actually quite easy and has few potential complications to report. The key is for the patient to submit and not expect severe pain. You will be advised to simply let the scope go in rather than bracing or clenching the sphincter muscle. We are experts at talking you through this, and if you are able to allow us to talk you through it cystoscopy is very well tolerated. Generally, there will be slight pressure as we traverse the sphincter muscle, and then after that just a feeling of needing to urinate.

Patients can experience mild burning with their first urination or two after cystoscopy, and men especially may have a bit of blood in the urine from the prostate, but usually, there are no aftereffects. There is a rare risk of infection after cystoscopy and we give prophylactic antibiotics to you to minimize this risk. No preparation or special instructions are required or given prior to cystoscopy.