Cystoscopy of the Bladder
Cystoscopy is a test that looks at the inner lining of the bladder and the tube from the bladder to the outside of the body (urethra). The cystoscope is a thin, lighted viewing tool that is put into the urethra and moved into the bladder.
When the cystoscope is inside your bladder, sterile water or saline is injected through the scope to help expand your bladder and to create a clear view. A medicine may also be injected through the scope to reduce chances of infection. Tiny instruments may be inserted through the scope to collect tissue samples (biopsy) to test.`
A cystoscopy can check for stones, tumors, bleeding, and infection. Cystoscopy can see areas of the bladder and urethra that usually do not show up well on X-rays. Tiny surgical instruments can be put through the cystoscope to remove samples of tissue (biopsy) or samples of urine.
Cystoscopy also can be used to treat some bladder problems, such as removing small bladder stones and some small growths.
How to Prepare
Tell your doctor if you:
Are allergic to any medicines, including anesthetics.
Have had bleeding problems or take blood-thinning medicine, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin).
Are or might be pregnant.
You will be asked to sign a consent form before the test. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results may mean.
Cystoscopy is performed with local anesthesia.
You should empty your bladder just before the test. You may be given medicine to prevent a urinary tract infection that could be caused by the test.
After the test
After the test, you may need to urinate frequently, with some burning during and after urination for a day or two.
Drink lots of fluids to help minimize the burning and to prevent a urinary tract infection.
A pinkish tinge to the urine is common for several days after cystoscopy, particularly if a biopsy was performed.
But call your doctor immediately if:
Your urine remains red or you see blood clots after you have urinated several times.
You have not been able to urinate 8 hours after the test.
You have a fever, chills, or severe pain in your flank or abdomen. These may be signs of a kidney infectionClick here to see more information..
You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These symptoms include:
Pain or burning upon urination.
An urge to urinate frequently, but usually passing only small quantities of urine.
Dribbling or leakage of urine.
Urine that is reddish or pinkish, foul-smelling, or cloudy.
Pain or a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.