Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
After removal of the cystoscope, the urethra is usually sore, and patients should expect to feel a burning sensation while urinating for one to two days following the procedure. To alleviate discomfort or pain, patients may be prescribed pain medication, and antibiotics may also be required to prevent infection. Minor pain may also be treated with over-the-counter, nonprescription drugs such as acetaminophen. To relieve discomfort, patients may be advised to drink two 8-oz glasses of water each hour for two hours and to take a warm bath to relieve the burning feeling. If not able to bathe, they may be advised to hold a warm, damp washcloth over the urethral opening.
Patients who have undergone a cystoscopy are instructed to:
- Take warm baths to relieve pain.
- Rest and refrain from driving for several days, especially if general anesthesia was used.
- Expect any blood in the urine to clear up in one to two days.
- Avoid strenuous exercise during recovery.
- Postpone sexual relations until the urologist determines that healing is complete.
Advertisement
The 2D animation explains the process involved in a male cystoscopy procedure. A cystoscopy is a procedure that allows a urologist to see inside the urinary bladder. Note that the instruments shown in the animation are smaller relative to the patient in an actual cystoscopy.
Other Information
Endoscopy of the urinary bladder via the urethra is called cystoscopy. Diagnostic cystoscopy is usually carried out with local anaesthesia. General anaesthesia is sometimes used for operative cystoscopic procedures.
When a patient has a urinary problem, the doctor may use a cystoscope to see the inside of the bladder and urethra.
The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The cystoscope has lenses like a telescope or microscope. These lenses let the doctor focus on the inner surfaces of the urinary tract. Some cystoscopes use optical fibres (flexible glass fibres) that carry an image from the tip of the instrument to a viewing piece at the other end. The cystoscope is as thick as a pencil and has a light at the tip. Many cystoscopes have extra tubes to guide other instruments for surgical procedures to treat urinary problems.
There are two main types of cystoscopy - flexible and rigid - differing in the flexibility of the cystoscope. Flexible cystoscopy is carried out using local anaesthesia on both sexes. Typically, lidocaine gel (such as the brand name Instillagel) is used as an anaesthetic, instilled in the urethra. Rigid cystoscopy can be performed under the same conditions, but is generally carried out under general anaesthesia, particularly in male subjects, due to the pain caused by the probe.
Other Information
In 2000, Urinary Incontinence affected an estimated 38 percent of women aged 60 or older. Urinary incontinence affected an estimated 17 percent of men aged 60 or older.
From: NKUDIC
Find a Qualified Specialist
Looking for a specialist?
Please enter your zip code.
