What is a rigid cystoscopy?

A rigid cystoscopy is a procedure to check for any problems in your bladder using a rigid telescope (cystoscope). Sometimes certain problems with your bladder and urinary tubes can be treated at the same time.

What are the benefits?

You may be getting pain, blood in your urine or repeated infections, or you may have an irritable bladder (a sudden and uncontrolled urge to pass urine).

If your doctor does see a problem during the cystoscopy, they may perform a biopsy (removing small pieces of tissue), or they may be able to treat the problem using the cystoscope.

Are there any alternatives?

A scan may give some information about the cause of the problem but a cystoscopy often leads to a diagnosis.

It is possible to have a flexible cystoscopy that needs only an anaesthetic jelly. However, certain problems with your bladder and urinary tubes cannot be treated with a flexible cystoscopy.

What does the procedure involve?

The procedure is usually performed under a general or spinal anaesthetic. The procedure, including the anaesthetic, usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Your doctor will pass the cystoscope into your urethra (tube that carries urine from your bladder).

Your doctor will use the cystoscope to look for any problems in the lining of your bladder and will be able to perform biopsies. If your doctor finds a small growth or stone, it may be possible to remove it through the cystoscope.

How can I prepare myself for the procedure?

If you smoke, stopping smoking several weeks or more before the procedure may reduce your risk of developing complications and will improve your long-term health.

Try to maintain a healthy weight. You have a higher risk of developing complications if you are overweight.

Regular exercise should help you prepare for the procedure, help you recover and improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Speak to the healthcare team about any vaccinations you may need to reduce your risk of serious illness while you recover. When you come into hospital, practise hand washing and wear a face covering when asked.

What complications can happen?

Possible complications of this procedure are shown below. Some may be serious and can even be life threatening.

Rigid cystoscopy complications

• bleeding
• infection
• narrowing of your urethra
• allergic reaction
• making a hole in your bladder
• chest infection

What happens after the procedure?

You should be able to go home the same day, after you have recovered from the anaesthetic and passed urine.

You should be able to return to work the day after the cystoscopy unless you are told otherwise.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

The healthcare team will tell you what was found during the cystoscopy and discuss with you any treatment or follow-up care you may need.

Summary

A rigid cystoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with your bladder.

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