Flexible cystoscopy Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, December 2008.
Answers to questions about flexible cystoscopy
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Why might I get a urinary tract infection after a cystoscopy?
- What is fluorescence cystoscopy?
- Can I get public transport home after the procedure or do I need to someone to drive me home?
Why might I get a urinary tract infection after a cystoscopy?
In any procedure that involves introducing instruments into the body there is a risk of infection. Occasionally a urinary tract infection develops after having a cystoscopy.
Explanation
Your doctor will take all possible precautions to prevent an infection. However, in any procedure that involves introducing instruments into the body there is a risk of infection. The risk increases if you have a biopsy because a tiny cut is made in the bladder wall and bacteria can enter the tissue. You're more at risk of infection if you're diabetic or if your immune system is suppressed in any way. Drinking plenty of water after the procedure can help flush your bladder and urethra and lower your risk of developing an infection. Your doctor may give you antibiotics to take for one to two days to prevent an infection.
Symptoms to look out for include a high temperature, pain, burning sensation on passing urine or needing to pass urine more often and more urgently. Contact your GP for advice if you develop any of these symptoms after your cystoscopy.
Sources
- Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov, accessed 6 March 2008
What is fluorescence cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look inside your bladder using a thin, tube-like telescope with a camera at the end, called a cystoscope. This is carefully passed up the urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder and out of your body) and into the bladder. There is a light at the end of the cystoscope that allows the doctor to look at the bladder wall. Fluorescence cystoscopy uses a special dye to help show up unusual cells in the bladder wall.
Explanation
Standard cystoscopy uses a bright white light to highlight the bladder wall. But sometimes it's difficult to identify unusual cells or growths clearly by just using this simple white light.
Your doctor may use a special dye to help get a better view of the bladder wall. The dye reacts to light and can help show up any unusual growths more clearly. Unusual cells take up more of the dye compared with normal cells. When your doctor uses a special blue light, cells that have absorbed the dye show up red. This means your doctor can easily spot the unusual cells.
If you're having fluorescence cystoscopy, your doctor will fill your bladder with fluid containing the special dye. This is usually done by inserting a thin flexible tube (called a catheter) through your urethra into your bladder. After one to three hours (depending on which type of dye is used), your bladder is emptied and the cystoscopy procedure is performed.
Sources
- Spiess PE, Grossman HB. Fluorescence cystoscopy: is it ready for routine use in clinical practice? Curr Opin Urol 2006; 16:372-376. www.co-urology.com
Can I get public transport home after the procedure or do I need to someone to drive me home?
A cystoscopy procedure shouldn't affect your ability to drive or take public transport. However if you have a sedative to help you relax during the procedure you will need to arrange to have someone drive you home.
Explanation
Your doctor will usually use a local anaesthetic gel to numb the entrance to the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder and out of the body) to help minimise any discomfort. The local anaesthetic or the procedure itself won't affect your ability to drive or take public transport. However, if you have a sedative, you must not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24 hours afterwards. This means you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: December 2008
Flexible cystoscopy factsheet
Visit the flexible cystoscopy health factsheet for more information.
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