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A cystoscopy is done to let your doctor see the wall of your bladder. During this exam, you will be asleep (under anesthesia). A special camera and light are used to look at the inside of the bladder. Your doctor may use a medicine (lidocaine) to numb the urethra.
After the Exam
For 1-2 days, you may have pain. Some people may have pain for up to 3 weeks. You will have pain pills to take. You may also have medicine to help relax your bladder.
You may have blood in your urine. This should stop in 2-3 days. It is common for you to feel burning when you pass urine for 1-2 days.
Diet
You can resume a normal diet as you are able.
Drink 8-10 glasses of fluid each day to prevent dehydration.
Do not drink alcohol within 24 hours of your exam or while taking pain pills.
Activity
Walking is okay.
Talk with your doctor about going back to work.
Do not drive for 24 hours after your exam.
Do not drive while taking pain pills.
Follow-Up
Your first follow-up visit will be 2-4 weeks after your exam.
When to Call
Problems passing urine
Red or bloody urine for more than 3 days after your exam
Large blood clots in your urine
Temp. by mouth is over 101 F
New low back or hip pain
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Who to Call
UW Health Urology
608-263-4757
East Madison Hospital Urology
608-440-6464
1 S. Park Medical Center Urology
608-287-2900
Toll-free 1-844-607-4800.
After hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, the clinic number is answered by the paging operator. Ask for the Urology doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you are a patient receiving care at UnityPoint – Meriter, Swedish American or a health system outside of UW Health, please use the phone numbers provided in your discharge instructions for any questions or concerns.