Cystoscopy

Tell your doctor if you:

• Are allergic to any medicines, including anesthetics.
• Have had bleeding problems or take blood-thinning medicine, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin).
• Are or might be pregnant.

You will be asked to sign a consent form before the test. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results may mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?).

Cystoscopy can be performed with local, spinal, or general anesthesia. Discuss with your doctor which method is best for you and whether you should plan on staying overnight in the hospital. If you will not be staying in the hospital, arrange for someone to drive you home after the test.

• If a local anesthetic is used, you may eat and drink normally before the test.
• If a general or spinal anesthetic is used, do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the test.

You should empty your bladder just before the test. You may be given medicine to prevent a urinary tract infection that could be caused by the test.