What is a cystoscopy: evaluation of your bladder

Dr. Kelly Casperson describes what is a cystoscopy and what to expect from the procedure. A cystoscopy is an endoscopic procedure to evaluate the bladder. A small camera (cystoscope) is inserted in your urethra and then into the bladder.

Cystoscopies are typically performed as a diagnostic procedure, to evaluate a problem such as difficulty urinating, blood in the urine (hematuria), or to remove a ureteral stent.

The procedure is performed under a local anesthetic and generally takes less than 5 minutes total. The patient is able to watch during the procedure as well.

[danieltaylor]

I just had one. After reading some of the comments, I was scared to death. It really wasn't bad at all. There was a little discomfort when the nurse injected the numbing gel, but the actual procedure didn't hurt at all and was over in a couple minutes.

[MichaelSiciliano-sd]

I have had three cystoscopes over the last few years and they are not painful. A small amount of gel anesthesia at the insertion site will be all the medication you need. Very interesting to watch the procedure on the video screen. Only takes a few minutes and then you are done.

[shauhwydhevs]

Thankyou so much, I have this procedure coming up in the next few days and I am dreading it. However, you have made me feel so much at ease... honestly you have no idea how much you have helped me !

[markwalz]

I’m going to have one of these in the next week or so. This video didn’t do a thing to ease my anxiety. That thing looks like a garden hose. And she was kind of smiling as she explained it.

[davidzimmerli]

I had one last year, and the urologist is lucky I didn't kick him in the head! Whining like a baby, I pleaded with him to stop, and, thank goodness, he did. It was the absolute worst pain I ever experienced. Why they don't use any anesthesia is beyond me. He told me on my next visit, he would be using a narrower tube, but before I went to that appointment, I called his office, and I told the receptionist to inform him that I would never go through another cystoscopy unless it was done in a hospital with anesthesia and sedation. Well, we settled on an ultrasound, and that did show some problems, but I've been taking Flomax since then, and I haven't suffered another UTI so far (knock on wood!) I also drink a mixture of lemon juice, applecider vinegar and baking soda in water every single day to clean out my urinary track. And I drink dandelion tea, and take a teaspoon of stinging nettle root powder in tea almost every day.

[grahamroy]

I had a flexible cystoscope done just over a month ago. I hardly felt a thing except for when the nurse filled my bladder up with the saline solution which felt slightly cold. Nothing to worry about, just relax and talk to your Dr if you feel anything uncomfortable or painful.

[shavoneaddy]

I had one of these today and for me it was just slight discomfort, but then again my urologist is amazing!

[williamsanders]

I had a cystoscopy today ( male). I was dreading it after reading many of these comments. Glad to report it was not too bad, It started with the nurse injecting the numbing gel, a slight discomfort but it was very quick. The exam was not painful. I felt a little pressure at times, the process lasted maybe three minutes. Throughout this afternoon, experiencing a little burn sensation when I urinate.

[ShanaSimoneva]

I just had mine did a hour ago. Some of these comments did put fear it me but it wasn't as bad as i thought it would be. There is a bit of uncomfortableness when they first insert it and that is it. Once you relax. Easy in, easy out

[GalileoSmith]

I had this done last week. It is recommended after an episode of blood in the urine. Blood in the urine is a symptom of both kidney and bladder cancer. I was told the procedure would be moderately painful and that's what it was; moderately painful. The procedure should take about five minutes. For me, it was closer to 15 minutes. I was fully awake and watched the monitor along with the doctor and two assistants as the scope looked around.

I got to use some of my best cystoscopy humor. When the probe finally made it into my bladder and the interior of it was on the monitor, the doctor said, "Well Marty, if you have ever wondered what the interior of your bladder looks like, there it is." I replied, "Believe it or not Doc, I've never given it a thought." At one point I asked them to look around for a lapel clip I lost in the 9th grade.

For whatever difference it makes, my bladder looked good and is healthy.

[kowalskikowalski]

I had a cystoscopy yesterday (male). It only hurt for 2 seconds when he passed my prostate and into the bladder. The 2-second pain level was little less than a flu shot. Other than that, it was painless.

[gemlenz]

As with others. I have this procedure coming up in a couple weeks. This video helped me see that's it not that bad.

[Douglas-upvh]

That tube looks thick and painful...I've had a catheter urine bag for a month..that tube was a lot smaller than that garden hose....

[Scruffy_Talks]

Ehy why am I getting fully put under general anesthesia th3n even still, I am doing this voluntary to check my weakened pew stream but I'm still nervous for the after pain

[loverunicorn]

You just made me call and reschedule my appointment I had canceled it because I was scared it was Feb.14th but I just called after this very video and got it rescheduled for April.19th thanks so much you eased my mind and answered all my questions you saved my life thanks😊

[lisasallery]

That is NOT the size of catheters I’ve had put in. I tend to use 10-12 gauge. That looks wide. That would be extremely painful. I was supposed to have one done today but. Nope, not putting that in me awake.

I'm having this done soon. Not looking forward to it. I've had catheters put in before and they said they used numbing cream. I felt no numbing, only pain. Then the doc sent me home with a half dozen catheters and NO INSTRUCTIONS how to use. They did come in handy in my workshop though.

[pauljoos]

I've had two of these procedures. Each we're hell. I will never do one again, ever! It was one of the most painful things I've ever been thru.

[nttntt]

If you are going to have this procedure done, it's YOUR body. Take control of the situation from the start otherwise they do things their way. They think NOTHING of your comfort & mindset.

After they use the antiseptic to get you ready for the scope, the next step in a lot of places is grab the scope & do the procedure.

This is where you speak up & stop things.

Ask them why they are using a 2% lidocaine gel in the urethra to numb it before the scope goes in so you don't feel a lot of pain. Their answer might be it doesn't hurt. Just slight pressure.

DON'T LISTEN TO THEM.

SOP is 2% lidocaine gel in the urethra then WAIT 5 minutes afterwards for it to take effect. That 5 minutes is crucial. Remember you're in charge its your body so make them wait.

The gel may not take away all the pain but it makes it more tolerable.

That's my tip for today.

Take care.
NTT

[edgameslouks]

I had blood in my urine and had to have this done. Once again what my pain level is compared to what the doc thinks it is was way off! I made them stop it due to the amount of pain that was shooting thru my groin. Lidocaine didn't even work! So please before you listen to what they are saying know yourself! They are not always right! My doc told me it was no big deal and he got very lucky I didn't take his head off at the shoulders!