How to Prepare for a Cystoscopy

To prepare for a cystoscopy, follow the instructions about food, drink, medicines, transport, and bladder care given by your clinical team. Preparation depends on whether the cystoscope is passed through the urethra with local anaesthetic or whether sedation or a general anaesthetic is planned. Ask which plan applies to you before the appointment.

Cystoscopy uses a slim camera to examine the lining of the urethra and bladder. It may be arranged to investigate urinary symptoms, blood in the urine, repeated infections, or an abnormal finding on another test. During the examination, the clinician may fill the bladder with sterile fluid so its lining can be seen more clearly. A small sample may be taken if an area needs closer assessment; this does not by itself confirm cancer.

You may feel pressure or an urge to pass urine during the procedure. Mild burning when passing urine or a small amount of blood can occur briefly afterwards, but your team should explain what to expect for your particular examination.

Read the appointment instructions carefully. If sedation or general anaesthesia is planned, you may need to stop eating or drinking for a specified period and arrange an adult to take you home. Do not stop blood thinners, diabetes medicines, or other prescribed treatment unless the clinician who manages them gives you a clear plan. Tell the team about allergies, pregnancy, difficulty passing urine, previous reactions to anaesthesia, and any symptoms of a urine infection.

Unless your team gives different advice, drink fluids as tolerated after the examination and take it easy for the rest of the day if you had sedation. Follow the discharge instructions, including when to resume medicines and how results will be shared.

Contact the clinic promptly if burning, bleeding, or pelvic discomfort is worsening, does not settle as expected, or is accompanied by fever, chills, or feeling unwell. Seek urgent medical help if you cannot pass urine, develop severe pain, or have heavy bleeding or clots. These symptoms can have several causes, so the care team may need to examine you and test a urine sample.

Ask whether your cystoscopy uses local anaesthetic, sedation, or general anaesthesia; whether you should change any medicines; whether you need someone to accompany you; when to expect results; and who to contact if urinary symptoms worsen. If the test is part of an assessment for bladder cancer, ask how cystoscopy fits with the other tests being considered.