At McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, we work hard to see the big picture. A Cystoscopy helps. By placing a small camera inside the bladder, doctors are able to see a very detailed view (including things that may not be visible in an x-ray), and take samples of tissue in the area. We then use this information to better diagnose and treat urinary tract issues.

Urologists specialize in cystoscopy, a simple procedure to diagnose, monitor and treat conditions affecting the bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).

About the Procedure

During cystoscopy, your urologist uses a small scope to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra for any abnormalities. The instrument has a tiny lens with a light on the end, allowing for an up-close view on nearby video monitors. Water or saline is also infused through the cystoscope, inflating the bladder to make all areas easier to see.

The procedure may be recommended for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Assessing symptoms: Helps your doctor determine what may be causing problems like blood in the urine, painful urination, incontinence, an overactive bladder or frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Making a diagnosis: Used to identify various bladder diseases, including bladder stones, inflammation or cancer, as well as an enlarged prostate.
• Treating a condition: Special tools can be passed through the cystoscope to perform a number of procedures, including removing small bladder stones or tumors, stopping internal bleeding or injecting medication to treat urinary leakage.

A simple cystoscopy usually only takes five to 10 minutes, depending on your specific condition, the procedure may take a little longer and require the operating room, with sedation or general anesthesia options to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Results are often available right after the procedure, though it may take a few days if your doctor collects tissue (biopsy) for lab testing.

Recovery & Follow-Up Care

Cystoscopy is generally a very safe procedure, and complications rare.

You should be able to go home the same day as your cystoscopy, usually immediately after if a local anesthetic was used. If you were sedated, you’ll be taken to a recovery area for a brief time, where a care team will monitor you as the anesthesia wears off. A friend or family member will need to drive you home, and you will both receive special instructions for at-home care, including any prescriptions.

In the hours following your procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort or side effects, including an increase in urinary frequency, a burning sensation during urination or mild bleeding.

If those issues persist, or you experience any problems, such as severe abdominal pain, chills or fever, call your doctor or seek medical attention right away.