Cystoscopy

The Cystoscopy Procedure
During a cystoscopy, the doctor can look inside the bladder for tumors.  Sometimes the tumor can be taken out or resected during a cystoscopy.  Cystoscopy is usually an outpatient procedure, which means the patient goes home the same day.  Cystoscopy is frequently done under local anesthesia.  A special gel is used to numb the urethra.  General, epidural, or spinal anesthetics are rarely needed.  After applying the local anesthetic, the doctor inserts a scope through the urethra.  As the doctor looks inside the urethra and bladder, he or she might fill the bladder with water.  The water stretches the bladder, making it easy for the doctor to see the wall of the bladder.  If a tumor is found, the urologist can either take it out or just take a sample of it.  It is then sent to the lab for examination.  This is called a biopsy.

Risks And Complications of Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy is a very safe procedure.  There are, however, some risks and complications, which are unlikely, but possible.  Some risks may be associated with the type of anesthetic used.  Some risks are seen in any type of surgery, such as infection and bleeding.  All of these are rare in cystoscopy.  Severe and persistent burning during urination may be due to a bladder infection resulting from the cystoscopy.  Rarely, blood clots can block the urethra and prevent urination.  Damage to the urethra, bladder, ureters, kidneys, and other abdominal organs is extremely rare, but possible.

After The Cystoscopy Procedure
It is normal to have some bladder spasm after a cystoscopy.  This may cause a feeling of urgency, or having to go to the bathroom frequently.  Some blood in the urine is normal after a cystoscopy, especially if a tumor was taken out.  Some burning during urination is common for a day or two after cystoscopy.  These symptoms should, however, improve within a few days.  If they do not improve within 2 or 3 days, it could mean that there is an infection.