Cystoscopy

Cystography, Cystourethroscopy

Risks

Cystoscopy generally is a very safe test. If a general anesthetic is used, there is a small risk of death from the anesthetic (less than 1 in 3,000). There is no risk of loss of sexual function.

The most common side effect is a temporary swelling of the urethra, which may make it difficult to urinate. A catheter inserted in your bladder can help drain the urine until the swelling goes away. Bleeding sometimes occurs, but it usually stops on its own.

You may have a mild infection in the urinary tract after cystoscopy. This can usually be prevented or treated by taking medicine before and after the test. In rare cases, the infection can spread through the body, and in very rare circumstances, usually with seriously ill people, the infection can be life-threatening.

Another rare complication is a puncture of the urethra or bladder by one of the instruments, which requires surgery to repair.

After the test

After the test, you may need to urinate frequently, with some burning during and after urination for a day or two. Drink lots of fluids to help minimize the burning and to prevent a urinary tract infection.

A pinkish tinge to the urine is also common for several days after cystoscopy, particularly if a biopsy was performed. However, call your doctor immediately if:

• Your urine remains red or you see blood clots after you have urinated several times.
• You have not been able to urinate 8 hours after the test.
• You have a fever, chills, or severe pain in your flank or abdomen. These may be signs of a kidney infection.
• You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These symptoms include:
  • Pain or burning upon urination.
  • An urge to urinate frequently, but usually passing only small quantities of urine.
  • Dribbling or leakage of urine.
  • Urine that is reddish or pinkish, foul-smelling, or cloudy.
  • Pain or a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: July 17, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
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