Cystoscopy

A cystoscopy is a test that looks at the urethra and the inside of the bladder. To do this your doctor or nurse uses a cystoscope. A cystoscope is a thin tube with a camera and light on the end.

You may have a cystoscopy:

• if you have possible symptoms of bladder cancer, such as passing blood in your pee (urine) or having problems when peeing (passing urine)
• to check if a cancer has spread into the bladder or urethra from other nearby areas such as the kidney, upper urinary tract, vulva, vagina or cervix.

This test is also used after some treatments for bladder cancer to:

• monitor how well treatment has worked
• check that no new cancers are growing in the bladder.

Some people may feel uncomfortable about having a cystoscopy. You can talk to your nurse or doctor about any concerns you have. They will try to make you as comfortable as possible.

There are different types of cystoscopy. Your doctor or nurse will talk to you about the type of cystoscopy you are having and why you are having it.

A rigid cystoscope cannot bend. During this test, the doctor passes surgical instruments through the cystoscope to:

• treat bladder problems
• remove a tumour in the bladder – this is called a transurethral resection of bladder tumour or TURBT
• take a small piece of tissue for tests – this is called a biopsy.

You may have this done in one of the following ways:

• Under a general anaesthetic, which means you are asleep.
• Using a spinal anaesthetic, which means the lower part of your body is numb. You are awake during the test, but you cannot feel anything.

Before your appointment you may be seen in a pre-assessment clinic. You may have some tests, for example blood pressure and blood tests.

You will also be given information about the rigid cystoscopy and when to stop eating and drinking before it. This is because you will have a general or spinal anaesthetic for this test.

On the day of the test you will be asked for a sample of pee (urine). The sample is checked for infection. If there is an infection you may be given antibiotics and the test may be delayed.

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. You then lie on your back on a bed. Some people may be given an antibiotic to help prevent infection.

You will have either a general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic. Once you have your anaesthetic the doctor gently passes the cystoscope through the urethra and into the bladder. They may also put sterile water into the bladder to help them see more clearly. They look closely at the bladder and may take biopsies or treat bladder problems.

After the cystoscopy you go to a recovery area where a nurse monitors you. You may be able to go home on the same day or you may have to stay in hospital. This will depend on:

• how you are feeling
• how many biopsies were taken
• what treatment you may need
• what time you had the anaesthetic
• if there is anyone at home to help you.