| Having a cystoscopy |
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Your consultant has recommended
that you have a cystoscopy and this leaflet provides some information
about the procedure. If it doesn't answer all your questions,
or if you have any worries, please do not hesitate to ask your
consultant or nurse for more information.
It is natural to feel a bit nervous about having any medical procedure,
but often knowing what to expect can help. |
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| What is a cystoscopy? |
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A cystoscopy is an examination
of the inside of the bladder (the baglike organ that stores urine
in the body) using a thin, flexible, tube-like telescope called
a cystoscope. This instrument is carefully passed up the urethra
(the tube that carries urine out of the body) and into the bladder.
A cystoscopy is useful for finding out what is causing your symptoms,
or as a check-up for certain bladder conditions. During the procedure,
the doctor may take a biopsy - a sample of the lining of the bladder
- for examination in the laboratory.
Cystoscopy is routinely performed as an outpatient or day case,
requiring no overnight stay in hospital. A general anaesthetic
is rarely required, although a local anaesthetic jelly is usually
applied to the area. In some cases, a sedative injection may be
given. |
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| About the procedure |
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| A cystoscopy usually only
takes about five minutes to perform, but you will need to allow
about 45 minutes for your appointment. The procedure will not
hurt, although it may be a bit uncomfortable. |
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| Preparing for the procedure
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| There are no special preparations
for having a cystoscopy. You may eat and drink as usual on the
day of the procedure. |
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| Consent |
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Before you have your cystoscopy,
you will be given a consent form to sign. By doing this, you confirm
that you understand what will happen during the procedure, and
give your permission for it to go ahead.
Many patients feel uncomfortable with the idea that a procedure
may involve risks, but to make an informed choice, you need to
know about the possible risks before you give consent. |
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| What are the risks? |
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| Cystoscopy is generally
a safe procedure. For most people, the benefits of having a clear
diagnosis, or quick and effective treatment, are much greater
than any disadvantages. However, like all invasive medical procedures,
there are some risks. These can be divided into the risk of side-effects
and the risk of complications. |
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| Side-effects |
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| These are the unwanted,
but usually mild and temporary, effects of a successful procedure.
After a cystoscopy, you may feel a small amount of discomfort,
which will settle in a few hours. Passing urine afterwards may
sting and it is quite normal for the urine to contain some blood
(especially if a biopsy is taken) but these symptoms should settle
down within 48 hours. |
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| Complications |
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Your doctor will be very
experienced at performing this type of procedure, but, even so,
a few cystoscopies are not successfully completed and may need
to be repeated.
Other complications are uncommon, but occasionally a urinary tract
infection or inflammation may develop, requiring treatment with
medicines.
It is also possible for the urethra or bladder to be damaged or
perforated during the procedure. This can lead to bleeding and
infection, which may require treatment with medicines or surgery.
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of procedure
you are having and other factors such as your general health.
You should ask your consultant to explain how these risks apply
to you. |
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| What to expect |
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You will be asked to empty
your bladder just before you have your cystoscopy. The procedure
will be carried out in a private room, where you will be asked
to remove your lower clothing and put on a hospital gown. To help
ensure you are as comfortable as possible, and to provide reassurance,
a nurse will stay with you throughout.
When anaesthetic jelly is used, it will be squeezed into the urethra
using a syringe without a needle. This may sting at first and
will then take effect in two to three minutes. The cystoscope
will then be carefully passed into your urethra.
Men may be asked to try and pass urine while the cystoscope is
being inserted. This is simply to help relax the muscles - no
urine will actually be passed.
Once the end of the cystoscope is in the bladder, salt water will
be passed through it to fill the bladder up and make the whole
of the lining visible. A tiny light and lens enable the doctor
to see if any disease is present.
If necessary, the doctor will take a biopsy of the bladder lining
for analysis, using specialist instruments that can be passed
inside the cystoscope. This procedure is quick and painless.
After the examination, the cystoscope is removed quickly and easily.
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| After the cystoscopy |
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As your bladder will be
full, you will probably wish to pass urine again.
You will rest in a full-length chair or on a bed until you feel
ready to go home. The nursing staff will be on hand to make sure
you are comfortable. If you have had a sedative, you may doze
off during this time. |
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| Going home |
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If you have a sedative,
the effects may last longer than you expect, so you should not
drive, operate machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours after your
examination. This means that you will have to arrange for someone
to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Once home, it's sensible to take it easy for the rest of the day.
Most patients feel able to resume normal activities on the following
day.
Drinking plenty of water can help reduce the mild stinging that
is normal on passing urine for a day or two after this procedure.
It can also prevent the development of infection or inflammation.
If you develop a high temperature, pain, persistent burning or
bleeding, please contact your doctor promptly. |
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| Results |
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If you have a biopsy, the
results will be ready several days later and will usually be sent
in a report to the doctor who recommended the test. Other findings
can be discussed before you leave the hospital. After having a
sedative, it may be a good idea to have someone with you when
you are told the results, as you may not remember them afterwards.
This leaflet describes standard treatment. Your experience
may differ slightly. If you have any unanswered questions or concerns,
please do feel free to raise them at any time when you come to
the hospital. |
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| Further information |
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Healthwise (Health Information Resource
Centre)
Tel : (852) 2849 2400
Fax : (852) 2849 2900
Email : info@healthwise.org.hk
Homepage : http://www.healthwise.org.hk/
This leaflet is for information only. For a detailed
opinion or personal advice, please consult with your own
doctor |
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