What should you know about cystoscopy and ureteroscopy?

A urologist may perform them together to investigate bleeding, blockage, an abnormal scan, or a suspected problem in the urinary tract. Instruments passed through the scope can collect tissue, remove a stone, or treat a narrowed area when appropriate.

Both procedures use the natural urinary opening, so there is usually no skin incision. Cystoscopy provides a view inside the bladder. Ureteroscopy continues through the bladder opening into a ureter; reaching this narrower passage commonly requires anaesthesia. Contrast imaging, a biopsy, or treatment may be added depending on what the urologist finds.

A temporary ureteric stent may be left between the kidney and bladder to keep urine draining while swelling settles. The team should explain whether a stent is expected, how it will be removed, and which sensations are normal while it remains.

Give the care team a complete medicines list, especially blood thinners, and mention allergies, pregnancy, urinary infection symptoms, or previous reactions to anaesthesia. Follow the supplied instructions about fasting and arrange transport home if sedation or general anaesthesia is planned. Do not stop prescribed medicine unless the treating team gives specific directions.

Afterwards, mild burning, urinary urgency, or lightly blood-stained urine can occur. Drink according to the discharge advice and use only the recommended pain relief. If a stent has a removal string, avoid pulling or snagging it and follow the stated removal plan.

Contact the treating service promptly for fever, chills, worsening pain, increasing bleeding, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, persistent vomiting, or difficulty passing urine. Seek urgent care if you cannot urinate, develop severe flank pain, feel faint or very unwell, or pass heavy bleeding or clots that obstruct urine flow.

With a stent, some urinary frequency and discomfort can occur, but escalating pain or a displaced stent needs assessment. Use the discharge contact rather than waiting for a routine appointment when symptoms are worsening.

Ask which part of the urinary tract needs examination, whether a biopsy or treatment is anticipated, what type of anaesthesia is planned, and whether a stent is likely. Confirm when results will be available, how medicine should be managed, and whom to contact after discharge.