Patient education: Cystoscopy – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is a cystoscopy? — A cystoscopy is a procedure that lets a doctor see inside the bladder and urethra. The urethra is the tube that transports urine out of the bladder (figure 1). During cystoscopy, a doctor puts a thin tube with a tiny camera on the end into the urethra and moves it up into the bladder (figure 2). The tube is called a "cystoscope."

How do I care for myself at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

It's important to drink plenty of water:

●This helps flush out your bladder and relieves discomfort.

●Drink at least 3 to 4 to glasses of water the first day after your procedure.

●Urinate when you feel the need.

Some side effects are common after cystoscopy. These should only last for a short time after your procedure. They include:

●Some pain or discomfort when urinating

●A small amount of blood in your urine

These side effects should stop after you urinate a few times.

What follow-up care do I need? — Your doctor or nurse will discuss the results of your cystoscopy with you.

●If you had a biopsy, your doctor will let you know when your results are ready. They will talk to you about what they mean.

●If your cystoscopy shows that you have a medical problem, your doctor will talk to you about your treatment options.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if you:

●Have pain or discomfort when urinating for more than a day or 2

●Have "urinary urgency" for more than a day or 2 – This is when you feel like you need to urinate suddenly or in a hurry.

●See a lot of blood in your urine at once

●Still see blood in your urine after 5 days

●Have a fever

●Have pain in your belly

More on this topic

Patient education: Cystoscopy (The Basics)
Patient education: Urinary tract infections in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Bladder cancer (The Basics)
Patient education: Bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis) (The Basics)
Patient education: Blood in the urine (hematuria) in adults (The Basics)

Patient education: Urinary tract infections in adolescents and adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Bladder cancer diagnosis and staging (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Diagnosis of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Blood in the urine (hematuria) in adults (Beyond the Basics)