Services for Cystoscopy
2024/05/15
Flexible cystoscopy is a routinely performed procedure at the Urology Centre.
The urologist may recommend cystoscopy for various reasons, such as:
- To evaluate the causes of bleeding in the urinary tract.
- To evaluate the causes of lower urinary tract symptoms.
- To remove ureteric stents or small bladder stones.
- To perform dilatation of the urethra.
Patients can eat and drink as normal before a flexible cystoscopy (no fasting is required). Before the procedure begins, the patient will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
The patient will be asked to lie down on a special bed, and the genital area will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Local anaesthetic gel will be used to numb the urinary passage.
During the procedure, a thin (pencil-sized) lighted cystoscope is used. The patient remains awake during the short procedure.
The cystoscope is slowly advanced into the bladder. The patient may view the real-time video image on the screen, with the doctor explaining the process.
In our centre, we use enhanced imaging techniques called narrow band imaging and fluorescence imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Cystoscopy can be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful for most patients. The entire procedure generally lasts only a few minutes. After the cystoscope is removed, the patient may need to go to the toilet to empty the bladder before changing back into their own clothes.
The doctor will discuss the results of the cystoscopy after the procedure. The patient can usually go home shortly after a flexible cystoscopy.
Contact the clinic or visit the Emergency department if you experience the following after a flexible cystoscopy: inability to urinate, persistent bright red blood or clots in your urine, fever and chills, or painful urination that lasts more than two days.
