First cystoscope - what to expect?

I was referred from my urologist nurse practitioner to a urologist physician to rule out a kidney stone, which fortunately I do not have. Since I have a history of urinary tract infections and interstitial cystitis (and a love of cath play,) he wants to look into my bladder. I asked him what to expect and if I was going to be awake or asleep and he explained the basics of the procedure to me. He said that after he numbs me, he will go into the urethra with a flexible cystoscope, that is not painful like the rigid scopes were, and look at the bladder but not actually enter the bladder. That he would fill me with a little sterile water but not an uncomfortable amount. He said the procedure is not painful and that I should be just fine. He was very caring, helpful and kind on my first visit so I trust him but I forgot to ask the size of the scope, how much water would be injected, how long the procedure will take and what to expect after the procedure. I'm not terribly worried about what will happen; just curious. Can anyone shed some light on the subject?

Diane, No need to worry. While I am a male, the test is the same. The doc will inject a numbing solution into the urethra to numb the sphincter muscle, then thread the Cystoscope in to the bladder to look around. It does have a small camera mounted to it and he will send that to a lab for processing. If they find anything small like a tumor, they will just go ahead and remove it while you are in there for this visit. The whole test only takes about 5 minutes and you don't feel anything other than some pressure as they slide the scope up into you. I was very nervous the first time it was done to me, then found out it was a piece of cake. Yu are fully awake for the test. After he does fill the bladder with the sterile water, you will be quite full and most likely want to go to the bathroom after he removes the instrument.

Thank you, Curly, for your reassurance. While I probably don't need to cystoscope, it probably wouldn't hurt to have someone take a look around. I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis based on my symptoms and my relief with treatments, which include Elmiron, Methylane blue, Prelief, avoidance of highly acidic foods and beverages, bladder instillation cocktails (an anti-inflammatory, 2 anesthetics, steroid and Heparin, which rebuilds the bladder wall) whenever IC flares up. My NP didn't feel it necessary to put me through painful procedures when everything was working so I haven't had a cystoscope done. But since the urologist offered to do it and said that he thought Melinda probably wanted it done (she didn't say so), I didn't speak up to contradict him. Partially because I'm curious about the procedure and enjoy urethral play, want to make sure it really is IC and not something else and also because my grandfather had bladder cancer and bladder conditions plague the women in my family, I decided it was probably a good idea.

Thank you again for reassuring me. I hope you are doing well after your treatments for bladder cancer and that this finds you in good health.

I had a cystoscopic exam last year, and like you, I enjoy catheter play. I have to say, the cystoscope was a total anti-climax because you're numb. It took about five minutes and I got a guided tour of my lower urinary tract. Interesting stuff, but not a big deal.

A guided tour? Do you mean he described it all or you were able to view it on a screen? I'd be quite interested in watching the scope myself.

I saw it all as it happened. As I say, it was interesting and reassuring but not the big deal some would make it out to be. Thank goodness for flexible scopes.

I get cathed every month or so at my urologist so I'm used to being in the stirrups and am not easily frightened by procedures. More of a curiosity, really. And a concern that I would feel well enough to drive afterward. My health can be delicate at times and pain can cause me to be light-headed. Well, pain, heat and not eating, which is most often the case when I go out. I don't take as good care of myself as I should and forget to eat. I've learned to travel with snacks, just in case.

I'm going to have to reschedule the scope. I was awake all night with a tummy issue and my tush is sore and bleeding from all the wiping. Also, I received Orthovisc injections in both knees today and have a lot of pain and swelling, making it difficult to walk so I'm just going to lie in bed with ice packs on my knees and read a good book.

Thanks again for all your help.

Flexible cystoscopy is just about the same as catheterization with the addition of a bit of fluid to expand your bladder.

Be sure to watch the screen and get the guided tour. I found the image of the scope approaching and entering my urethra to be fascinating.

I've heard that rigid cystoscopes are still used and that they anesthetize you for it. Why would they use the rigid when the flexibles are available? Years ago a friend of mine had a rigid in the office with just the numbing agent, no anesthesia. He said it was quite painful. Has anyone (male) ever had the rigid cystoscopy without being put under?

I had a rigid one done in the doc office 10 years ago. Used numbing jelly and wasn't painful at all. Was some discomfort when it went thru the prostate but not that bad.

I just wish I could see my own cystoscopy better. Sitting up makes the procedure more difficult and even dangerous as it adds extra angles in the male.

Most doctors won't let you video in fear of litigation.

@Jds4med There is a camera in the scope that the doc uses. Sometimes you can view what the camera shows on a monitor. That is the video that is being referred to, not taking a video camera into the procedure room and recording it oneself.

I was talking about ME. I watched the video feed and got a guided tour of my Urinary tract. For ME, I'd love to see the procedure from a 3rd party POV.

@jds4med Sorry, honey. I misunderstood. To clarify what you mean by third person POV, do you mean that YOU would like to have a video of YOURSELF receiving the procedure. Or do you mean that YOU would like to watch the procedure performed on someone else, as well?

Either is erotic, but watching my own procedure is just hot. If I ever have surgery I'd love to have that video'd as well.

Most routine cystoscopies are now done with a flexible cystoscope. The flexible scope does have a channel for a few small instruments such as a grasper or biopsy instrument. The reason to use a rigid scope is when either larger instruments are needed, or instruments that don't flex. An example would be a long needle used to inject medications into the bladder wall, sphincters, or urethra. Another example would be the instruments used to cut or burn away areas of the prostate in cases of BPH. Obviously, there are a lot more examples that can be provided, but this should get the idea across.

I am trying to talk a retired urologist I know out of a wonderful 30 Fr. rigid cystoscope. A wonderful intimidating toy, indeed. He got this one from a retired urologist who said he bought it second hand. It is old, old old.

Speed

I have to get this done every 3 months because I had a tumor in my bladder. Its a quick simple procedure. As everyone else said they numb you up and in they go. I always get to watch. There is usually a little burning afterwards with urination. But other than that its not to bad.

I haven't had one in two years I will have one in november. I have bad reactions to injectable anesthetics in that area so other than a swab with lidocaine I am SOL. But I've had it before so I am somewhat prepared but I won't lie it is uncomfortable and bladder flushing with a bad infection made me cry. So I am apprehensive but I just have a small Urethra so this will be my life since I am susceptible to infection because of it . Catheters aren't as horrible for me a little stingy. Swabs suck. But hopefully anyone else here can have numbing.