Flexible Cystoscopy
A Flexible Cystoscopy is an examination of the Bladder and Urethra performed with a telescope using local anaesthetic lubricating gel. This procedure is well tolerated with minimal discomfort as the telescope is passed along the urethra. Once the telescope reaches the bladder, the bladder is usually examined without discomfort.
Cystoscopy is usually performed to investigate a number of symptoms including blood in the urine, recurrent infections, bladder pain, frequency or urgency and to exclude more serious conditions like a bladder cancer or growth. Small biopsies of the bladder lining can also be taken if required.
The procedure takes about 5 minutes but you will usually be asked to arrive about one hour prior to allow for your hospital admission and preparation time.
No special preparation is required before arrival.
You do not need to fast unless instructed otherwise.
You do not need a full bladder.
You do not need to cease warfarin, aspirin or other blood thinners unless otherwise directed.
You should continue to take your usual medications.
On arrival you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. You may be given a single antibiotic tablet to prevent a urinary infection.
Your surgeon will be performing the procedure.
Before the local anaesthetic gel is applied the genital region will be washed with an antiseptic.
No sedation is performed.
You may drive yourself to and from the procedure if well and able.
You do not specifically need an accompanying person for this procedure unless one is usually required.
Please advise us prior to your admission day if you have a latex allergy.
Your surgeon will usually be able to explain the findings at the completion of the procedure and make arrangements for any further investigation, treatment or follow up.
If a further procedure or biopsy is recommended that does require a general anaesthetic this will be made for another time to allow for appropriate arrangements including fasting and consent.
The first few times you pass your urine after the procedure you may see a small amount of blood, especially if a biopsy was taken, and you may experience a burning sensation. These symptoms are short lived and usually resolve within 24 hours.
There is a small risk of developing a urine infection in the few days following the procedure. If you become unwell, or develop a fever, urgency or pain urinating you will need a urine test for infection and possibly a course of antibiotics. If you experience heavy bleeding or the bleeding is not resolving in 24-48 hours, or you have other concerns please contact your surgeons consulting rooms directly. You will be given their contact details on discharge, or go to the surgeons section of this website, or contact us on 08 8239 9109 during office hours, or after hours through Calvary Hospital on 08 8239 9100.
