Cystoscopy
This handout will tell you what to expect during a cystoscopy and what to do at home after your cystoscopy.
A cystoscopy is an exam of your urethra (the tube which carries urine from your bladder to the outside) and your bladder. Your doctor will insert a small scope instrument with a light cord attached into your bladder through your urethra. The doctor will slowly fill your bladder with water so the walls expand and the inside of your bladder can be seen more easily. This is a sterile procedure.
Your appointment will take 1 to 1.5 hours. The actual exam will take 5 to 10 minutes.
Before the Exam
There are no special eating or drinking instruction before the exam.
When you arrive at the clinic, you will be asked to give a urine sample. Your doctor will be informed of the urine results. If your urine is infected with bacteria, we may not be able to continue with the exam.
The day of the exam you will be asked to give a brief health history, read and sign a consent form. A staff member will check your blood pressure and pulse before and after the exam.
Tell the staff if you have had an artificial joint replacement in the last 2 years.
We will wash you with a special soap and cover you with sterile sheets. Numbing jelly is used on the area where the scope is inserted
During or after the exam the doctor will talk with you about the results and your future care.
After the Exam
- You may have burning and a small amount of blood in your urine. This should go away after you have urinated a few times..
- Drink 8-10 (8 oz) glasses of fluid the rest of the day and evening to decrease the risk of infection. This includes water, milk, tea, coffee, or juice.
- There are no activity restrictions after a cystoscopy.
When to Call the Doctor
- If you have red or bloody urine that lasts more than 1 day.
- If you are unable to pass urine.
- If your urine is cloudy or foul-smelling.
- If you have lower back or hip pain.
- If it burns when you pass urine for more than 24 hours.
- If your temperature is greater than 101°F by mouth.
Phone Number
Urology Clinic: (608) 263-4757
After hours, weekends and holidays this connects you to the message center.
Ask for the urology doctor on call or the doctor on call for Dr. ___________________________. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
Toll Free: 1-800-323-8942.
The Spanish Version is Health Facts for You #6050
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 03/12/2010
Copyright © 03/12/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4597
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