Endoscopy. Flexible Cystoscopy. Information

Transcription

1 Endoscopy Flexible Cystoscopy Information

2 What is a Flexible Cystoscopy? This is a test for both men and women to examine the inside of your bladder either to help make a diagnosis or to make sure that treatment has worked. The flexible cystoscope is a piece of equipment which relays views of the inside of your body to a monitor (a TV screen) for the doctor to look at. What happens? A local anaesthetic jelly is applied to numb the area. A thin flexible fibre-optic telescope which is about as thick as a pencil, is passed via the urethra (tube from the bladder through which you urinate) into your bladder. During the procedure, your doctor may take a biopsy (sample of tissue) from the lining of the bladder. This is quick and painless 2

3 Alternatives Any alternative treatments should have been discussed at your outpatient appointment. If this was not the case, please ask for further information. How do I prepare for this treatment? No special preparation is needed. For ladies, if you are having your period, this will not affect the test. On the day of the procedure, you may eat and drink as normal and take any regular medication. Please bring a list of all medication you take, both prescribed and over the counter, including herbal remedies. Please be aware that the time given to come in is not the time for your procedure. You may be waiting between 1-3 hours. 3

4 What will happen when I arrive at the Endoscopy Unit? You will be met by a member of the nursing team who will explain the procedure and you will be asked to provide a urine sample. You will be asked to remove your clothes from the waist down and put on a hospital gown. You may like to bring in a dressing gown and slippers to wear. You will be asked to consent to the procedure and then you will be taken into the examination room. The procedure During the cystoscopy (which will take 5-10 minutes) you will lie on a couch, on your back. Ladies will be asked to draw up their knees with their legs apart. The opening to your urethra (at the end of the penis or the outside of the vagina) and the nearby skin will be cleaned and covered with a paper sheet, then jelly containing a local anaesthetic, which numbs the lining of the urethra is applied. This helps the cystoscope to pass into the urethra. 4

5 Sterile water is passed down the cystoscope to fill your bladder slowly. This enables the doctor to get a better view of the lining of the bladder. As your bladder fills, you may feel some discomfort as you might feel the urge to pass urine. When the cystoscope is gently removed, it is possible that you might pass urine involuntarily; do not worry about this. After it has been removed you will need to pass urine and the nurse in the room with you will show you to the nearest toilet. Male patients may need a digital rectal examination to examine the prostate. A clinician will use a gloved lubricated finger to insert into the rectum (bottom) so they can assess the size of the prostate. After the test In many cases, the doctor will be able to tell you the results of the test on the same day but biopsies results may take days and will be sent to your GP. If further tests or an outpatient appointment is required, the nursing staff will arrange this for you. Most people feel ready to go home after a short rest. Once home, it s sensible to take it easy for the rest of the day. 5

6 Having this test will not affect your ability to drive home afterwards. You should feel able to resume normal activities on the following day. Most people return to work two days after having a cystoscopy. Normally you can have sex after two days. Drink plenty of extra fluids for a day or two. This will reduce the risk of possible complications and will help any symptoms which should subside within 48 hours. Possible complications Mild burning or stinging sensation on passing urine. You may pass some blood. The need to pass urine more often. Rarely, men have some temporary pain and swelling in the testicles after the procedure. If you are still experiencing discomfort or difficulty in passing urine after 48 hours. Contact your GP or NHS Direct on If you have problems with mobility, lifting aids can be provided if the unit is aware in advance, please phone on receipt of this letter. 6

7 Contact Information If you have any worries or queries please do not hesitate to contact the Endoscopy unit waiting list office or Monday to Friday, 9.00am 4.30pm Reference: 7

8 If you need this information in another format or language, please telephone Further information about the Trust is available on the following websites: KGH - NHS Choices - Ref: PI.420 October 2012 Review: July 2014