• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

My bladder, my life

Bladder management

  • Bladder types
  • Starting with catheters
  • Problems
  • Life hacks
  • Inside the bladder
  • Equipment
Inside the bladder
  • Anatomy and physiology of the bladder
    • Anatomy of the bladder
    • Physiology of the bladder
  • Medical procedures for a SCI bladder
    • Urodynamic study
    • Cystoscopy
    • Sphincterotomy
    • Cystolitholapaxy
    • Bladder augmentation
    • Urethral dilatation
  • Medications and other products you may be prescribed
    • Alpha blockers
    • Anticholinergics
    • Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX)
    • Hiprex and vitamin C
    • Cranberry
    • E. Coli
  • Common medical tests for a SCI bladder
    • Urine specimen
    • Fluid balance diary
    • Renal ultrasound
    • CT- Kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB)

    Cystoscopy

    A cystoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to look inside your bladder using an instrument called a cystoscope. A cystoscopy allows a view inside the bladder that cannot be achieved by using other methods like a CT scan or X-Ray. Your doctor or urology nurse will discuss the recommended frequency of cystoscopy with you.

    Types of cystoscope

    There are two types of cystoscope: flexible and rigid.

    A flexible cystoscope is a fibre-optic tube that can move around bends of the urinary system whereas a rigid cystoscope is a solid, straight tube with a light at one end.

    Both types of cystoscope have side channels that allow instruments to be inserted but a greater variety of instruments can be used with a rigid cystoscope.

    Flexible cystoscopy

    A flexible cystoscopy usually takes about five minutes. An antiseptic will be used to clean the area around the opening of the urethra. Your doctor may also use an anaesthetic gel to numb the area if needed. Your doctor will then pass the cystoscope into the urethra and examine the diameter and lining of the urethra as well as the sphincters. They will then use the cystoscope to examine the lining of the bladder and perform a biopsy if necessary.

    After a flexible cystoscopy, it is usually possible to be discharged on the same day.

    Rigid cystoscopy

    A rigid cystoscopy takes about 30 minutes and will usually be performed under anaesthetic. Your anaesthetist will discuss anaesthetic options with you before the procedure.

    The diameter and lining of the urethra will be examined, as well as the sphincters and bladder lining. A rigid cystoscope can pass a greater variety of instruments so if any problems such as stones or small growths are detected, it may be possible to remove them during the procedure.

    After a rigid cystoscopy, it may be possible to be discharged on the same day but your doctor may recommend that you stay in hospital for a longer period.

    Complications

    There are always risks associated with surgical procedures and these should be discussed with your doctor prior to consenting to a procedure.

    The risks associated with cystoscopy are as follows:

    • Bleeding – there may be a small amount of blood in the urine following cystoscopy. Bleeding is more common if a biopsy is performed. The bleeding should stop on its own. If the bleeding continues you should contact your doctor for advice
    • Infection – Whenever a foreign object is inserted into the bladder there is a risk that bacteria may be introduced as well. Every precaution will be taken to minimise the risk of infection but there is a higher risk for urinary tract infection following cystoscopy
    • Urethral stricture (narrowing if the urethra due to scar tissue) – This is unlikely following a single cystoscopy but people who use catheters may be at a higher risk. Signs of stricture include difficulty passing catheters or passing urine.

    Urodynamic study
    Sphincterotomy

    Before Footer

    Quick links

    • Bladder types
    • Starting with catheters
    • Problems
    • Life hacks
    • Inside the bladder
    • Equipment

    About this resource

    This web resource is part of a research project to improve bladder management at the Austin, by increasing the use of intermittent catheterisation.

    The research project is funded by TAC.

    Submit your feedback

    Thumbs Up Bladder Man

    Footer

    This research project is brought to you by

    Austin Health
    TAC
    ISCRR
    WorkSafe

    Contacts

    Austin Health
    03 9496 5000
    Victorian Spinal Cord Service
    03 9496 5220
    Spinal Urology Nurse
    03 9496 5904
    spinalurologynurse@austin.org.au
    VSCS outpatient Nurse
    03 9496 5176
    vscsoutpatients@austin.org.au

    Disclaimer

    This information has been developed for Austin Health use and has been specifically designed for Austin Health. This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. Austin Health accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed on this website. Written information should only be used in conjunction with advice from the health professional who is looking after you.

    Copyright © 2023 · My Bladder My Life on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in