Cystoscopy
cystoscopy · bladder scope · bladder camera test · flexible cystoscopy
A urologist looks inside your bladder with a thin tube with a camera. It goes in through the urethra, the tube you pee through.
For blood in the urine, frequent infections, problems peeing, or for a check-up after bladder treatment.
⏱ Duration: usually 5 to 15 minutes; about 30 minutes with preparation
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Urine test. Sometimes you are asked to do a urine test beforehand, to rule out an infection.
- Food. With local numbing, you can usually eat and drink. With general anesthesia, do not eat, following your clinic's rules.
- Toilet. Empty your bladder before the procedure.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Urine test and ultrasound results, if you have them
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- You undress below the waist and lie on a chair or couch
- The skin is cleaned with antiseptic
- A numbing gel is put into the urethra, and you wait a few minutes
- The doctor gently puts in the thin tube with a camera
- The bladder is filled with sterile water, and its walls are checked
- If needed, a tiny piece of tissue is taken for testing
What you'll feel
- It feels unpleasant and unusual, but usually bearable
- As the bladder fills, you feel the need to pee. This is normal
- If it hurts, tell the doctor
Afterwards
- For 1 to 2 days, peeing may sting a little
- Your urine may look pinkish. This can happen
- Drink more water in the first few days
- The doctor usually tells you what they saw right away. Tissue results come later
Contact a doctor straight away if
- A fever over 38 degrees, or chills
- You cannot pee, or there is bright blood with clots
- Strong pain in the lower belly
Common questions
Does cystoscopy hurt?
Usually not. A numbing gel and a thin, flexible tube are used. It is unpleasant, but bearable.
Can I go home right after a cystoscopy?
Yes, if it was done with local numbing. After general anesthesia, you need someone to take you home.