Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is a direct look inside the urethra and bladder through a thin, flexible scope carrying a camera and a light. It is how blood in the urine, repeated infections and difficulty emptying are investigated when imaging alone cannot explain them.

What to expect

In-office procedure — about ten to fifteen minutes, with numbing gel used first.
A live view — the bladder lining is inspected on screen, and a small sample can be taken in the same visit if something needs testing.
Flexible scope — the flexible instrument makes the exam considerably more comfortable than the older rigid ones.

Most patients drive themselves home and return to their usual routine the same day. Some burning for a day afterwards is normal; anything more than that is worth a call.