Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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You are due to have a cystoscopy so we can investigate your bladder symptoms further. It can be performed awake with local anaesthetic using a flexible cystoscope or under general anaesthetic with a rigid cystoscope
What is a Flexible Cystoscopy?
Using a thin telescope; about the size of a pencil, we look carefully at the inside of the bladder, the bladder neck and the urethra (waterpipe). As the cystoscope is flexible, it usually passes easily along the urethra. Occasionally we take small samples of tissue from within the bladder (a biopsy). We are also able to inject Botox into the wall of the bladder if this is your recommended treatment. As you are awake for the operation, you will be able to look at the inside of your bladder on a screen if you wish.
What are the alternatives?
• Rigid cystoscopy under general anaesthesia
• No treatment– which may mean the cause of your symptoms remain unexplained
What happens on the day of the procedure?
DO NOT PASS URINE ON ARRIVAL YOU WILL NEED TO EMPTY YOUR BLADDER AND DO A URINE SAMPLE JUST BEFORE THE CYSTOSCOPY PROCEDURE.
A doctor or specialist nurse will briefly review your history and medications, and will discuss the procedure again with you to confirm your consent.
You can eat and drink normally prior to and after the test.
Generally, you are advised to take all your normal medications prior to the procedure including aspirin.
If you take warfarin, clopidogrel, or newer anticoagulants such as apixaban / rivaroxaban / dabigatran, this may need to be stopped and possibly converted to a different medication a few days prior to the procedure.
Please let a member of the team know if you have an implanted foreign body such as a pacemaker / heart valve / joint replacement.
Please allow 30-40 mins for your consultation and procedure.
Details of the procedure
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic
- A gel containing local anaesthetic is put into your urethra (waterpipe) and left in place for a few minutes; this makes the insertion of the telescope as comfortable as possible
- You may be given antibiotics before the procedure
- The telescope is passed into your urethra (waterpipe) and bladder
- Once the telescope is in place, we run sterile water slowly into your bladder so that we can inspect all the bladder lining
- Relaxing the pelvic floor muscles will make the test more comfortable. Most women tolerate the test very well
- A nurse will remain with you throughout the whole procedure
- We remove the telescope once we have completed the examination
- The procedure usually only takes a few minutes to complete
- You will be able to pass urine yourself after the procedure
- The doctor or nurse will explain the findings to you
You should be able to go home straight away afterwards.
Are there any risks?
The risks associated with this procedure are low. They include:
• Urinary tract infection
• Blood in the urine
• Injury to the bladder or urethra (waterpipe)
What to expect afterwards
You may have a temporary mild burning feeling when you pass urine, and you may see small amounts of blood in your urine. These problems should not last longer than 24hrs.
Contact your GP if bleeding or pain is severe or if problems last longer than a couple of days.
Also contact your GP if you develop:
• Fever
• Smelly or cloudy urine
• Difficulty in passing urine
It is recommended to drink twice as much as usual for the first 24-48 hrs to flush your system through to prevent infection.
Common Questions:
Where does the procedure take place?
In the Gynaecology Outpatients department at Heatherwood Hospital.
When can I resume driving/normal activities?
You can resume driving and normal activities as soon as you feel able to, which should be straight away.
Contact Details
If you have any problems or queries during working hours, 9am-4pm Monday-Friday, contact:
• Frimley Patients: Zoe Boland (FPH Urogynaecology Secretary) on 0300 613 6079
• Wexham Patients: Shyama Hamza (WPH Urorgynaecology Secretary) on 0300 615 6021
• Gynaecology outpatient nurses at Heatherwood: on 0300 614 4057
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Gynaecology service.
About this information
Service:
Gynaecology
Reference:
L/126
Approval date:
20 December 2024
Review date:
1 November 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.