Cystoscopy and fulguration: procedure and recovery

The cystoscope passes through the urethra and carries a camera into the bladder. A fine electrode can then deliver energy directly to a selected area, limiting treatment to tissue the urologist can see. Fulguration may seal a bleeding point or destroy a small abnormal area. If a diagnosis is not already established, tissue may need to be collected before it is destroyed because fulguration alone does not provide a specimen for microscopic examination.

Provide an updated list of medicines and supplements, especially anything that affects bleeding, and tell the team about urinary infection symptoms, allergies, or previous reactions to anaesthesia. Follow the personalised directions for fasting and medication; changes to prescribed drugs should come from the treating clinician. After treatment, take the recommended pain relief, maintain fluids if medically permitted, and follow restrictions on driving, exercise, lifting, and sexual activity. Find out whether a catheter will remain temporarily and obtain written care instructions if it does.

Temporary burning, frequent urination, or lightly blood-stained urine may follow cystoscopy and fulguration. Contact the service if these effects become more pronounced or last beyond the recovery period they gave you. Go for urgent assessment if urine will not pass, bleeding is heavy, clots block the stream or catheter, fever occurs with chills, pain becomes severe, or you feel dizzy, faint, confused, or rapidly unwell. A painful, swollen lower abdomen with poor catheter drainage also needs immediate attention.

Ask exactly what area will be fulgurated, whether the aim is to control bleeding or treat abnormal tissue, and whether a biopsy has already confirmed the diagnosis. Clarify the planned anaesthesia, catheter use, expected urinary changes, and the number to call after discharge. If the treated area could return, ask how it will be monitored and what would prompt another cystoscopy, imaging test, or different treatment.