What should you know about cystoscopy process?

The clinician cleans the opening of the urethra, applies numbing gel or gives anaesthesia when planned, and gently advances the cystoscope into the bladder. Sterile fluid may fill the bladder so its inner surface can be seen clearly. The clinician may take a small tissue sample or perform another planned procedure through the instrument.

A flexible cystoscope is often used for an examination with local numbing gel, while a rigid instrument may be chosen when treatment or a larger tissue sample is needed. You may feel pressure, an urge to pass urine, or brief discomfort as the bladder fills. Staff can explain each stage and pause if you need support.

Findings may be described immediately when the examination is visual only. A biopsy goes to a laboratory, so its report comes later and is discussed separately.

Follow the clinic's instructions about eating, drinking, regular medicines, and transport home because these depend on the type of anaesthesia. Tell the team about blood-thinning medicines, allergies, pregnancy, urinary infection symptoms, and previous reactions to anaesthesia. Do not change prescribed medicine unless the treating team directs you.

Afterward, drink fluids if your care team says this is suitable. Mild burning, urinary frequency, and lightly blood-stained urine can occur for a short time. Use only the pain relief recommended for you and follow any restrictions given after sedation or a biopsy.

Contact the treating service promptly if burning or bleeding is worsening rather than settling, or if you develop fever, chills, cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine, have heavy bleeding or clots, develop severe lower abdominal or back pain, or feel acutely unwell.

Ask whether the cystoscope will be flexible or rigid, what pain control or anaesthesia is planned, and whether a biopsy might be taken. Confirm which medicines to take, whether you need someone to drive you home, when normal activities can resume, and how visual findings and laboratory results will be communicated.