by Editorial Staff And Contributors
A cystoscopy is a procedure to examine the bladder with a lighted scope. The scope allows the doctor to look through the urethra and into the bladder. The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
Cystoscopy of the BladderCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Cystoscopy may be done to look for causes of:
It may also help to diagnose:
Problems from the test are rare. However, all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Talk to your doctor about these risks before the procedure.
This procedure is usually done in your doctor's office.
Local anesthesia is will numb the area in and around the urethra. A sedative may also be given to help you relax.
You will lie on an exam table. A cystoscope will be inserted through the urinary opening. The doctor will carefully pass the scope into the urethra and then to the bladder. The scope will drain urine out of the bladder. A sample will be kept for testing. Next, the bladder will be filled with sterile water or saline solution. This will allow a better view of the bladder walls. The bladder and urethra will be examined.
Up to 15 minutes
Local anesthesia will keep you free from pain. You may feel some discomfort when the bladder is filled during the exam. It can also create an urge to urinate.
There may be some burning or small amounts of blood when you urinate after the test. It should fade with each urination.
Call your doctor if any of these occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
https://www.niddk.nih.gov
Urology Care Foundation
http://urologyhealth.org
Canadian Urological Association
http://www.cua.org
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Cystoscopy. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 29, 2021.
Cytoscopy & ureteroscopy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 29, 2021.
Last reviewed March 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrienne Carmack, MD
Last Updated: 01/29/2021