Risks continued...

Another rare complication is a puncture of the urethra or bladder by one of the instruments, which requires surgery to repair.

After the test

After the test, you may need to urinate frequently, with some burning during and after urination for a day or two. Drink lots of fluids to help minimize the burning and to prevent a urinary tract infection.

A pinkish tinge to the urine is common for several days after cystoscopy, particularly if a biopsy was performed. But call your doctor immediately if:

• Your urine remains red or you see blood clots after you have urinated several times.
• You have not been able to urinate 8 hours after the test.
• You have a fever, chills, or severe pain in your flank or abdomen. These may be signs of a kidney infection.
• You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These symptoms include:
  • Pain or burning upon urination.
  • An urge to urinate frequently, but usually passing only small quantities of urine.
  • Dribbling or leakage of urine.
  • Urine that is reddish or pinkish, foul-smelling, or cloudy.
  • Pain or a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.

Results

Cystoscopy is a test that allows the doctor to look at the inside of the bladder and the urethra. Your doctor may be able to talk to you about some of the results right after the cystoscopy. The results of a biopsy usually take several days to be available.

What Affects the Test

A cystoscopy is usually not done if you have an infection of the bladder, prostate gland, or urethra.

What To Think About

Other X-ray tests, such as retrograde pyelography or cystourethrography, may also be done during cystoscopy. For more information, see the topics Cystourethrography and Intravenous Pyelography (IVP).