How long does it take to recover from cystoscopy?

After cystoscopy, you may notice discomforts like pain, hematuria, burning sensation, etc. However, these symptoms will start subsiding in 1-2 days and you will recover completely in a week.

Is blood in the urine normal after cystoscopy?

It is very common to notice blood in the urine for a few days after the cystoscopy procedure. Don’t worry, it will go away within a week after the procedure.

Is cystoscopy a painful procedure?

Cystoscopy is usually performed under the influence of anesthesia. So your urethral region will be numb and you won’t feel a lot of pain during the procedure.

Is a catheter always required after cystoscopy?

Catheter is not always required, but sometimes the urologist inserts it to facilitate the proper emptying of the bladder.

Will I have to stay in the hospital after a cystoscopy?

The hospital stays required after cystoscopy depends upon the type of anesthesia used. For local or regional anesthesia, the effect of the anesthesia will subside within 4-6 hours and then you can go home. For general anesthesia, however, you may have to stay in the hospital overnight.

How to relieve the discomforts of cystoscopy?

Firstly, drink a lot of water and stay hydrated. To relieve the pain and burning sensation, use a moist and warm washcloth and place it near your urethra. You can also soak the region in warm water to alleviate the discomforts.

What conditions can a cystoscopy detect?

A cystoscopy is usually performed to detect the root cause of problems like UTIs, urinary incontinence, kidney stones and other bladder related problems.

Can I drive home after a cystoscopy?

The effect of anesthesia usually subsides in a few hours. However, it is recommended not to drive yourself. Rather, arrange a drive home for your own safety.

Cystoscopy: Purpose, Procedure, Risks and Recovery

Cystoscopy is done to diagnose, monitor, or treat the conditions affecting the urinary bladder and the urethra. The doctor may recommend cystoscopy for the following reasons:

To investigate causes of signs and symptoms including blood in urine, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, overactive bladder and dysuria (painful urination). Cystoscopy can also help to determine the causes of frequent UTIs. Cystoscopy is not generally done while the patient has an active UTI.
To diagnose diseases and conditions in the bladder like bladder cancer, bladder stones and cystitis bladder inflammation.
To treat diseases and conditions of the bladder. For this, special tools can be passed through the cystoscope, during the process of cystoscopy.
Cystoscopy is carried out to diagnose enlarged prostate. The procedure can show narrowing of the urethra where it passes through the prostate gland, showing an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The doctor may also conduct a second procedure called ureteroscopy along with cystoscopy. During a ureteroscopy, a small scope is used to examine the tubes carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder or ureters.A cystoscopy can also reveal conditions such as tumors or stones in the bladder, or bladder cancer. The doctor can also use a cystoscopy procedure to diagnose the following:

Blockages
Enlarged prostate gland
Non-cancerous tumors or growth
Problems with the ureters

Why is Cystoscopy Done?

Cystoscopy is done to diagnose, monitor, or treat the conditions affecting the urinary bladder and the urethra. The doctor may recommend cystoscopy for the following reasons:

To investigate causes of signs and symptoms including blood in urine, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, overactive bladder and dysuria (painful urination). Cystoscopy can also help to determine the causes of frequent UTIs. Cystoscopy is not generally done while the patient has an active UTI.

To diagnose diseases and conditions in the bladder like bladder cancer, bladder stones and cystitis bladder inflammation.

To treat diseases and conditions of the bladder. For this, special tools can be passed through the cystoscope, during the process of cystoscopy.

Cystoscopy is carried out to diagnose enlarged prostate. The procedure can show narrowing of the urethra where it passes through the prostate gland, showing an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Blockages

Enlarged prostate gland

Non-cancerous tumors or growth

Problems with the ureter

What Happens after a Cystoscopy?

After a cystoscopy, the patient may be advised to stay in the hospital for observation in case sedation or general anesthesia is used. Once the patient’s heart rate and pulse,blood pressure and breathing is stable, he can go home. Cystoscopy is mostly done as an outpatient procedure.The patient can go back to resume his regular diet and activities after the procedure. The patient is encouraged to drink a lot of fluids as it will dilute the urine and reduce urinary discomforts like burning sensation while passing urine. A sitz bath or warm tub bath is helpful in easing the symptoms of urinary discomfort.The patient may also notice blood in urine after cystoscopy. This is normal and usually clears up in a day or two. Pain reliever can help ease soreness or discomfort. Medications such as aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding. So, apart from the ones prescribed by the doctor, do not take any medication without consulting. Patients are generally given antibiotics after the procedure to help prevent infection.

Recovering after a Cystoscopy

The patient is advised to rest for a day to recover after a cystoscopy. Drink a lot of water and other healthy fluids and rest in a place close to the bathroom as you may need to urinate quite often. The doctor advises to hold a damp or warm washcloth over the urethra to relieve any pain. The doctor strictly advises not to drink alcohol, drive, or indulge in any strenuous physical activities for 1-2 days. If undergone a biopsy, the patient will need time to heal. The patient needs to avoid lifting heavy weights for about 2 weeks.