What happens - Cystoscopy

There are 2 types of cystoscopy:

• flexible cystoscopy - a thin and bendy cystoscope is used
• rigid cystoscopy - a slightly wider cystoscope that does not bend is used

They both involve moving a cystoscope (a long tube with a tiny light and camera at one end) through your urethra. Your urethra is a tube that carries pee from your bladder out of your body.

They're both done in slightly different ways.

Ask your doctor or nurse which type you will have.

Before a cystoscopy

The hospital will send you instructions to follow before your appointment.

This will include advice about:

• eating and drinking
• what to do about any medicines you're taking

Before a flexible cystoscopy, you can usually eat and drink as normal.

Before a rigid cystoscopy, you will usually need to stop eating and drinking for a few hours. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home. You will not be able to drive for 24 hours.

During a cystoscopy

Before the test 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. If you have an infection, the cystoscopy may need to be rescheduled.

Having a flexible cystoscopy

For a flexible cystoscopy, you stay awake while it's being done.

1. You lie flat on a special couch.
2. Local anaesthetic gel is put on your urethra to numb it - this will help the cystoscope move along it more easily.
3. The cystoscope is gently put into your urethra and moved down towards your bladder.
4. Water may be pumped into your bladder to make it easier to see inside.
5. Tools can be used through the cystoscope to remove a small sample of cells for testing (biopsy).
6. Once the test is complete the cystoscope is gently removed from your bladder.

A flexible cystoscopy may be a bit uncomfortable and you may feel like you need to pee during the procedure. It will only last a few minutes.

A nurse will stay with you throughout to explain what's happening.

Having a rigid cystoscopy

For a rigid cystoscopy, you're either put to sleep or the lower half of your body is numbed.

1. You'll lie down on a special couch with your legs in supports.
2. You'll either be given a general anaesthetic (so you're asleep during the procedure) or have the lower half of your body numbed with anaesthetic given in your spine (spinal anaesthetic).
3. The cystoscope is gently put into your urethra and moved down towards your bladder.
4. Water may be pumped into your bladder to make it easier to see inside.
5. Tools can be used through the cystoscope to remove a small sample of cells for testing (biopsy) or to treat certain conditions.
6. Once the test is complete the cystoscope is gently removed from your bladder.

Some procedures can last up to 30 minutes.

You may have a short, sharp pain when you're given the injection of anaesthetic. But you will not have any pain or discomfort during the procedure. This is because you will be asleep or the lower half of your body will be numbed.

After a cystoscopy

Usually you will be asked to pee before leaving hospital to make sure you're able to.

After a flexible cystoscopy

After the cystoscope is removed, you may need to go straight to the toilet to empty your bladder by peeing.

You can usually go home when the procedure is finished.

When you feel able to, you can return to your normal activities, such as:

• work
• exercise
• having sex

After a rigid cystoscopy

When the test is finished, you'll be taken to a room or ward to recover from the anaesthetic.

You can usually go home when:

• the anaesthetic has worn off
• you're able to pee

Most people leave hospital the same day, but sometimes you may need to stay in hospital overnight.

You'll need someone to take you home. You will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours.

Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.

Rest at home for a day or 2. You may need to take a couple of days off work.

When you feel able to, you can return to your normal activities, such as:

• work
• exercise
• having sex

Results

Your doctor or nurse may be able to discuss the results of the cystoscopy shortly afterwards. If you had a biopsy, you may get the results in 2 or 3 weeks.