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When do I need a cystoscopy? How painful is a cystoscopy?

Goficure - Blog Page - When do I need a cystoscopy? How painful is a cystoscopy? (Blog Post) Last Updated April 27, 2024

Overview

A cystoscopy is a procedure to examine the inner lining of the urinary tract, especially the bladder and the urinary tube (urethra) that carries the urine out of the body.

A healthcare provider performs a cystoscopy to investigate signs of urinary tract problems, infections, cancer, bleeding, blockages, inflammation, enlarged prostate, or other health problems.

The procedure is performed with a cystoscope, a long, hollow tube with a tiny lighted lens at the end.

Cystoscopy is generally an outpatient procedure and is done in a testing room. During this process, the doctor uses sedation or a numbing gel. Sometimes it is done in a hospital under general anesthesia. It depends on the type of cystoscopy and the reason behind the procedure.

Why do I need a cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy helps to diagnose and treat urinary problems and abnormalities in the bladder or the urethra.

A cystoscopy is recommended to investigate urinary tract infections (UTIs):

  • Urinary tract infections (UTI)
  • Urinary tract blockages
  • Scarring or damage on the urinary tract due to frequent UTIs
  • Urinary tract injury
  • Urinary tract inflammation or bleeding
  • Urinary tract scar tissues

To investigate bladder problems:

  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)
  • Overactive bladder
  • Painful urination
  • Urine incontinence
  • Urine backflow
  • Frequent urination
  • Burning sensation during urination
  • The presence of abnormal or cancer cells in the urine

A urologist performs a cystoscopy to diagnose:

  • Bladder or kidney stones
  • Bladder inflammation or cystitis
  • Bladder cancer
  • Prostate gland cancer
  • Bladder blockages
  • Urethral narrowing
  • Bladder injury
  • Polyps
  • Enlarged prostate or benign prostate hyperplasia
  • Birth defects that are causing urine backflow
  • Abnormal growth or tumor
  • Pelvic pain
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How painful is a cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a simple outpatient procedure and is usually not painful. It can also be performed in a hospital depending on your condition and the type of cystoscopy.

There will be slight discomfort during the procedure. Talk to your healthcare provider and the nurse if you are feeling intense pain or uneasiness.

An outpatient cystoscopy generally takes 5 to 15 minutes and is performed in the doctor’s clinic or an outpatient facility. A numbing gel or sedation is used during the procedure.

A cystoscopy that is done in a hospital may take a longer duration about 15-30 minutes and is done under general or local anesthesia.

During the procedure, you will feel an urge to urinate and empty the bladder. A very tiny cystoscope is used to minimize pain. The numbing gel will relax you. If a general anesthetic is used, you will be asleep during the procedure.

After the procedure, there is a chance that you may feel some abdominal pain and a burning sensation during urination. But these symptoms are mild and usually go away within 48 hours.

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During and after the procedure

A cystoscopy is performed to examine:

  • Bladder
  • Urethra
  • Ureter
  • Kidneys
  • Prostate

During cystoscopy:

  • Before the procedure, your nurse will ask you to empty your bladder
  • The doctor will ask you to lie down on your back on the examination table
  • In the case of flexible cystoscopy, the doctor will apply a numbing gel to ease discomfort
  • In rigid cystoscopy, you will be under general or local anesthesia
  • The cystoscope is inserted through your urethra into the bladder
  • The doctor infuses a sterile solution to stretch the bladder to get a clear view
  • The doctor may collect sample tissues
  • After the diagnosis, the doctor removes the cystoscope

During the procedure, as the bladder is filled with the sterile solution, you will feel a pressure sensation and an urge to urinate.

After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will stay for a few hours until you are fit to go home.

After cystoscopy, you might feel:

  • A burning feeling during urination
  • A frequent need to urinate for one or two days
  • Some bleeding in your urine or toilet paper
  • Soreness

These feelings go away within 24 to 48 hours. However, if there is a high fever, pain, or bloody urine, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

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Final words

Normally recovery from cystoscopy is quick. You can return to work and normal activities after some rest. However, there may be some general discomfort which is common. These symptoms improve with time.

Following a cystoscopy, your doctor may advise you to take a warm bath or apply a warm, damp cloth to the affected area to relieve discomfort.

Drinking plenty of water helps to flush irritants from the bladder. The doctor may give you over-the-counter pain relievers.

A cystoscopy is a simple procedure and should not be painful. Talk to your doctor and stay well-informed about possible outcomes of the procedure, home care routine, and ways to alleviate discomfort after the procedure.

Dos
  • Drink fluids to prevent constipation
  • Eat foods rich in fiber
  • Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications without consulting your doctor

 

Don'ts
  • Do strenuous activities or heavy lifting
  • Strain during bowel movements
  • Ignore intense pain or symptoms of heavy bleeding

 

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