Cystoscopy

A cystoscopy is a procedure that uses an instrument called a cystoscope to look inside your bladder. A cystoscope is a thin tube with a light and a small camera at the end.

A cystoscopy can help diagnose and treat conditions that affect your bladder and urinary system.

There are 2 types of cystoscopy:

1. Flexible cystoscopy uses a thin, flexible cystoscope and is often done in a clinic.
2. Rigid cystoscopy uses a cystoscope that does not bend and is often done in hospital.

A cystoscopy may be used to:

• diagnose bladder cancer
• monitor bladder cancer after treatment
• help diagnose and treat other conditions affecting the bladder and urinary system
• help find the cause of symptoms that affect your urinary tract

Your doctor may refer you for a cystoscopy if you have:

• blood in your urine (haematuria)
• problems passing urine
• pain when passing urine
• recurring infections of the bladder

A cystoscopy may sometimes be combined with other procedures to find or remove growths or tumours.

A cystoscopy is generally a safe procedure.

Your healthcare team will explain:

• what happens during a cystoscopy
• why you may need it
• any possible risks

Before the procedure, you will be asked to give informed consent. This means signing a form that shows that you understand what it involves and agree to have the procedure.

A cystoscopy can be done in a clinic or hospital. Flexible cystoscopy is often done in a clinic, while rigid cystoscopy is usually done in hospital as a day procedure.

How can I prepare for a cystoscopy?

How you prepare for a cystoscopy depends on the type of cystoscopy and the anaesthetic used.

Also ask your doctor if you should take your usual medicines before the procedure. You might need to stop taking some medicines, such as aspirin, for a few days before the procedure. Do not stop any medicines without asking your doctor first.

Read more about preparing for surgery.

What happens during a cystoscopy depends on the type of procedure you are having.

Flexible cystoscopy

With a flexible cystoscopy, you will have a local anaesthetic gel or spray. This numbs the area where the cystoscope is inserted.

You may feel mild discomfort when the gel or spray is applied. It helps make the procedure more comfortable.

The flexible cystoscope is put into your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body). The cystoscope is then gently guided into your bladder. Sterile water may be put into your bladder to help your healthcare team see the inside of your bladder more clearly.

The procedure usually takes only a few minutes.

Rigid cystoscopy

If you are having a rigid cystoscopy, you will have a general anaesthetic.

During the procedure, the cystoscope is put into your urethra and then gently guided into your bladder. Your bladder will be partly filled with sterile fluid so that your doctor can see the inside of your bladder more clearly.

Your doctor may take biopsies (tissue samples) from your bladder wall. Small tumours may also be removed or other bladder problems treated during the procedure.

During your cystoscopy procedure, you may feel some discomfort. The procedure is usually not painful.

After your cystoscopy, you may:

• feel discomfort or burning when you pass urine
• need to pass urine more often for a few days
• see some blood in your urine

To help manage these symptoms:

• drink extra fluids for the next few days, unless your doctor has told you to limit how much you drink
• take pain-relief medicines if needed
• ask your doctor what you can do to help manage any discomfort after the procedure

Serious complications after a cystoscopy are rare. If you have a cystoscopy, there is a small chance of:

• developing an infection in your bladder
• urinary retention (being unable to pass urine)
• significant bleeding from your urinary tract
• injury to your bladder or urethra
• complications from the anaesthetic

You should contact your doctor if you:

• develop a fever
• continue to have pain or burning when passing urine
• continue to have blood in your urine or notice significant bleeding
• are unable to pass urine
• are concerned about any symptoms after the procedure

A cystoscopy is often the best way to look inside your bladder and help diagnose bladder cancer.

It is generally more accurate than imaging tests or blood tests alone.

What will happen if I decide not to have the procedure or it is delayed?

If you choose not to have a cystoscopy or your procedure is delayed, the cause of your symptoms may not be found as early as possible. This could delay diagnosis and treatment.

The Royal Women's Hospital has information on cystoscopy (Opens in new tab).

Queensland Government has information on flexible cystoscopy (Opens in new tab).

Watch a video made by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) to learn more about preparing for anaesthesia (Opens in new tab).

Languages other than English

Cancer Australia provides cancer resources (Opens in new tab) translated into many community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Cancer Council NSW's All About Cancer website provides information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.