Our Houston urologists perform a cystoscopy to diagnose and treat bladder conditions

A cystoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which our urologists use a hollow tube, or cystoscope, to view your urethra and bladder lining. You may have the procedure in a room in our offices with local anesthesia; in an outpatient setting with sedation; or, rarely, in the hospital under general anesthesia. This diagnostic procedure allows our Houston urologists to thoroughly examine your urinary tract, so that we can diagnose and treat a variety of bladder conditions.

Why would you need a cystoscopy?

Our urologists perform cystoscopies for many different reasons. They may be trying to diagnose a problem or using the cystoscope to treat certain bladder problems. Here are some reasons why our urologists might recommend the procedure.

• Diagnosing bladder issues, such as bladder stones, interstitial cystitis, bladder cancer, polyps or tumors
• Diagnosing an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as well as urinary fistulas and strictures in the urethra
• Searching for the cause of symptoms, such as pain during urination, blood in the urine, incontinence, or recurring urinary tract infections
• Treating bladder tumors or other problems using instruments that urologists pass through the cystoscope

What to expect during this diagnostic procedure for bladder conditions

Here’s what to expect on the day you have a cystoscopy.

• Before the procedure – You provide a urine sample that day. We will tell you which medications to stop taking beforehand.
• During the procedure – Depending on the reason for your cystoscopy, you will have either local anesthesia or sedation. Occasionally, patients may need general anesthesia. We will ask you to urinate before we proceed to insert the cystoscope into your urethra and bladder. Our physicians view the urethra and bladder lining, and may insert other instruments to get tissue samples or treat certain issues. Cystoscopies take about five to 10 minutes if they are diagnostic, but they may take longer if they include treatment.
• After the procedure – Someone will need to drive you home if you have had sedation or general anesthesia. Our physicians prescribe antibiotics and recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. It helps to drink lots of water to help flush out your bladder. Most patients feel better in a day or two, but it can take a bit longer if you have had a biopsy or other treatment.

Risks and complications

A cystoscopy is a safe procedure, but any procedure can cause complications, such as bleeding, pain or infection. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should contact our urologists right away or go to an ER or urgent care center.

• Unable to urinate
• Burning sensation or pain when you urinate that lasts longer than a couple of days
• Heavy blood clots or bright red blood in your urine
• Fever higher than 101.4 F
• Chills
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain

Our experienced urologists handle bladder conditions with expertise and skill

When you have symptoms and problems that could indicate bladder conditions, our Houston urologists will perform a thorough diagnostic process and devise a treatment plan to help you feel better. Contact us for an appointment with one of our experienced Houston urologists.