Before cystoscopy: Unless general or regional (spinal) anesthesia is to be used, no diet restriction or other preparation is required before cystoscopy. You can have a normal breakfast. We will want to check your urine to be sure there is no sign of infection, so don't urinate just before coming to the office. Normally no sedation is needed, but if you are at all concerned about the procedure have someone who can drive accompany you to the office.
During cystoscopy you will be asked to place your legs in stirrups and & you will be washed with an antiseptic solution. Please let us know if you have any sensitivity or allergy to iodine or other antiseptic soap. Also let us know if you think you would have difficulty in stirrups. A gel one is used to lubricate the cystoscope. There are two types of cystoscope's, rigid and flexible. Anesthetic gel can be injected into the urethra and this may cause mild burning. The cystoscope is gently inserted into the urethra, through the sphincter that holds the urine back, and into bladder. It is important to relax the sphincter to let the scope pass; you will be instructed at the time to on the best way to relax. Water is used to fill the bladder so the entire inner surface can be seen. As the bladder fills with water you may have the sensation of needing to urinate. Just tell the doctor if this happens and the fluid can be withdrawn. The procedure generally takes just a few minutes and should not be painful, but tell us if you have any discomfort during the procedure.
After cystoscopy empty your bladder before you leave. It is not uncommon to have a small amount of blood in the urine after cystoscopy, especially in men who have an enlarged prostate. Do not be concerned, but let the doctor know if you have significant bleeding with clots. Some burning is also one not uncommon. This should be mild and can be relieved by drinking lots of fluids. Cystoscopy can cause a urinary tract infection. For this reason an antibiotic is often given to prevent infection. If infection occurs you will typically have increased burning, urinary frequency, and occasionally fever and malaise. Please call and call in the doctor immediately if you think you have infection. Dr. Lamm can be reached at 602 493 6626.
Have Questions? Just ask us. You might want to write them down after reading this, but often it takes the most time to set up and prepare for the cystoscopy. This is a good time for questions.
Worried? There is no reason to worry. Cystoscopy should not be painful, but if it is we simply stop and reschedule the procedure under anesthesia. With an anesthesiologist, there should be no pain at all, other than the needle stick needed to give the medications. You might ask why not just schedule the procedure under anesthesia in the first place? We don't because it really should not hurt (less, for example, than the needle stick to give the medication) and there can be significant complications of anesthesia itself.
Created: 3/15/2005