Non-invasive cystoscopy: what to know

A cystoscopy uses a slender camera passed through the urethra to inspect the urethra and bladder. A flexible examination may be done with local anaesthetic, while a more involved procedure may use another form of anaesthesia and allow tissue removal. The clinician explains the planned approach beforehand. Cystoscopy can investigate blood in the urine, urinary symptoms or a bladder abnormality, and it can monitor people after bladder cancer treatment.

Non-invasive is not a type of cystoscopy. In bladder cancer, it refers to a tumour that has not grown into the muscle layer based on assessment. [Bladder Cancer](/conditions/bladder-cancer/) can have invasive or non-invasive forms, so the procedure and tissue findings must be interpreted together.

Before the appointment, tell the team about blood thinners, allergies, urinary infections, pregnancy possibility and difficulty passing urine. Ask whether you need to change medicines or arrange transport if sedation is planned. Afterward, mild burning or a small amount of blood can occur, but follow the written instructions about drinking fluids, activity and medicines. If a sample or tumour is removed, ask when results will be available and whether another procedure or treatment is expected. More detail is available on [Cystoscopy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/cystoscopy/).

Call the care team for increasing pain, persistent bleeding, clots, fever, chills, cloudy urine or worsening urinary symptoms after cystoscopy. Seek urgent help if you cannot pass urine, feel faint, develop severe abdominal or back pain, or become very unwell. A urinary infection or blockage can need treatment, so do not wait for a routine result if these problems appear.

Ask: Why do I need cystoscopy? Will it be flexible or under anaesthesia? Could tissue be removed during the procedure? How should I prepare? Which medicines should I discuss? When will biopsy results be ready? Who should I call about bleeding, fever or difficulty passing urine?