Procedures
Cystoscopy in Scarborough, done by a urologist.
A small flexible camera lets us check the lining of the bladder. Done awake under local anaesthetic, covered by OHIP with a referral, and the camera is inside for only a minute or two.
1 to 2 minutes
That is how long the camera is actually inside.
Covered by OHIP
With a referral and a valid health card.
At the hospital
A procedure room, not an operating theatre.
Done by a urologist
Looking at the bladder lining directly.
What is a cystoscopy?
A cystoscopy uses a small flexible camera, passed along the urethra, to check the lining of the bladder. It lets the urologist look directly at the bladder wall and at the inside of the prostate, which is how we find the cause of blood in the urine, check for infection risk, and rule things out.
There are two kinds. A flexible cystoscopy uses a bendy scope, is done awake with anaesthetic gel in a hospital procedure room, and is what most people have. A rigid cystoscopy uses a straight scope in an operating room under a general or spinal anaesthetic, and is used when something needs treating at the same time rather than only looking at.
Where it happens
Your consultation is at our office on Lawrence Ave. The cystoscopy itself is done at Scarborough Health Network, at the General or Birchmount hospital site, and we tell you which one when it is booked.
Why it is worth doing
Ultrasound and CT scans are good at showing the kidneys, but they do not show the bladder lining reliably. A cystoscopy does.
Most people who have one turn out to have nothing serious. It is the check that settles the question rather than leaving it open.
Why you might be referred for one.
Blood in the urine
Visible, or picked up on a urine test by your family doctor.
Repeated urinary infections
When infections keep coming back and nobody has found why.
Bladder cancer follow-up
Regular checks of the bladder lining after previous treatment.
Trouble passing urine
Weak flow, urgency or incomplete emptying that needs explaining.
Suspected bladder stones
Confirming what imaging has hinted at.
Checking the prostate
Looking at the inside of the prostate when symptoms point that way.
Removing a ureteric stent
A short visit to take out a stent placed earlier.
What to expect, step by step.
- 01
Referral and consultation
Your family doctor faxes a referral and you are seen at our office on Lawrence Ave. If you need a cystoscopy we book it and tell you which hospital site to attend. Expect to give a urine sample so we can rule out an active infection first.
- 02
The examination
In a procedure room at the hospital you lie back, the area is cleaned and anaesthetic gel goes into the urethra. The urologist passes the camera, fills the bladder with sterile fluid and examines the lining. The camera is inside for a minute or two.
- 03
Straight afterwards
You empty your bladder, then go home. Most people drive themselves and return to work the same day. Drinking plenty of water for the next day or two makes the tingling settle faster.
- 04
Results
The urologist can usually tell you what they saw the same day. If a sample was taken, those results come back later and we will arrange how to go through them with you.
When to get in touch afterwards
A slight stinging sensation, or visible blood in the urine, for a day or two is expected. It is uncommon, but if you feel like you have a urine infection afterwards, meaning a severe stinging sensation and voiding very frequently and urgently, please contact the clinic or seek medical care.
Rarely, patients develop a fever or chills, cannot pass urine, or see blood clots. Go to the nearest emergency room if that happens.
Questions
Straight answers about cystoscopy.
If your question is not here, call the clinic and ask. Both our numbers are on the contact page.
Been referred for a cystoscopy?
Have your family doctor fax a referral, or call the clinic and we will talk you through what happens.