Cystoscopy

ABOUT CYSTOSCOPY

What is a cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a procedure to look into the bladder by passing a telescope through the urethra (the tube you pass urine through).

 

This procedure can be performed in a hospital under general anaesthesia (where you are asleep), with sedation, or using a local anaesthetic (numbing gel). Alternatively, it can also be done at our consulting rooms on Wickham Terrace using local anaesthetic gel.

Why is a cystoscopy required?

Cystoscopy is performed to investigate and treat problems with the bladder and the urethra.

 

Common reasons for a cystoscopy include:

    • Blood in the urine.
    • Recurrent urinary tract infections.
    • Urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, incontinence, and difficulty voiding.
    • Abnormalities of the wall of the bladder.
    • If you have had a cancer of the bladder, regular cystoscopy is required to make sure the cancer hasn’t returned.
    • If you have a ureteric stent, a cystoscopy is performed to remove the stent.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the bladder. It occurs when cells from the lining of the bladder (known as the urothelium), grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour that can spread to other parts of the body.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are rock-like crystals which form in the kidneys from the salts and minerals in urine. Kidney stones can cause pain when the flow of urine is blocked by a stone which has moved from the kidney into the ureter.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the kidney. These abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour that can spread to other parts of the body.

Prostate Enlargement

Prostate enlargement, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland that commonly occurs in men as they age. The prostate surrounds the urethra, so when it enlarges, it can press against the urethra and block urine flow.
PATIENT JOURNEY

What does a cystoscopy involve?

A cystoscopy is performed with a general anaesthetic (sleep), sedation or using local anaesthetic (numbing gel).

 

We pass a telescope through your urethra into your bladder. Once the telescope is in the bladder, we fill the bladder with sterile water and inspect the bladder.

 

The procedure is usually performed as day surgery – you can go home on the same day as the procedure. If you have had sedation or general anaesthesia you will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult.

What is the recovery after a cystoscopy?

You may notice blood in the urine for a day or two after cystoscopy.

 

You may have mild burning and stinging when passing urine for a day or two after cystoscopy.

 

If you have the procedure while awake, you can usually return to work the same day.

 

If you have sedation, general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic, you can usually return to work one to two days after the procedure.

 

If you have the procedure while awake, you can usually drive yourself home.  If you have sedation, general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic, you will not be able to drive for 24 hours.

 

OUR TEAM

The following doctors in our practice perform a cystoscopy:

Dr Andrew Keller

Dr Andrew Keller

Urologist
Dr Anojan Navaratnam

Dr Anojan Navaratnam

Urologist
Dr Glen Wood

Dr Glen Wood

Urologist
Dr Gregory Malone

Dr Gregory Malone

Urologist
Dr Jason Paterdis

Dr Jason Paterdis

Urologist
Dr Jonathan Chambers

Dr Jonathan Chambers

Urologist
Dr Katherine Gray

Dr Katherine Gray

Urologist
Dr Peter Burke

Dr Peter Burke

Urologist
Dr Tim Smith

Dr Tim Smith

Urologist

Book an appointment

Book an appointment to discuss this procedure with one of our doctors.