Cystoscopy
A cystoscopy is a procedure undertaken to examine the inside of the bladder and the urethra.
How is a cystoscopy performed?
A hollow tube called a cystoscope, contains a camera that is inserted into the urethra towards the bladder. Either a flexible cystoscope or a rigid cystoscope can be used. If the procedure is simple and diagnostic, flexible cystoscopy is recommended. A rigid cystoscopy needs more instruments to be used and can be more uncomfortable for the patient. This is done under spinal or general anaesthetic.
Cystoscopy Recovery
As with any surgery, there is the possibility of complications and ways to recovery correctly.
Pain
Watch out for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) symptoms. These can include pain while emptying your bladder, malodorous urine, burning sensation, urinary urgency, frequent urination, or blood in urine. If you have any of these symptoms, please commence the prophylactic antibiotics that you were at the time of discharge.
Vaginal Bleeding
No bleeding or discharge is expected. However, if bleeding two weeks after cystoscopy is consistent, please consult with a professional at FBW.
Physical Movement
Early gentle mobilisations after surgery are recommended. Sexual intercourse can be commenced 48 hours after surgery.
Driving
Arrange lifts before and after surgery and do not drive for approximately 48 hours after surgery. Also check with your insurance company as they may specify a longer exclusion time before driving after surgery. Please make sure you pay attention to the following steps for the most the effective result.
Before you resume normal driving practices, trial sitting in the car and the start-up routine without starting the car. Remember you may need to do things quickly within a car. If no pain is experienced, then you are suitable to commence driving.
Pelvic Floor Excercises
In addition, pelvic floor exercise and vaginal estrogent (vagifem pessary / ovestin cream) can be used after the surgery.
FBW contact number during office hours is 08 8297 2822. After hours, please contact Ashford Emergency. A visit to Ashford Emergency will be free of charge if it is within one month of your surgery and your surgery was performed at Ashford Hospital. In case of absence, there will always be another surgeon who will be covering FBW. Remember we don’t mind too many phone calls, but we do mind inadequate communication while recovering.