A cystoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the lining of the bladder and the urethra. A urologist performs this examination by inserting a thin, lighted instrument called a cystoscope through the urethra and into the bladder. This device allows the doctor to visually inspect the urinary tract to diagnose or treat conditions like bladder stones, frequent urinary tract infections, or the cause of blood in the urine. Proper preparation is important to ensure the procedure is successful and minimize risk.
Dietary Guidelines Before the Procedure
The ability to eat and drink before a cystoscopy depends primarily on the type of anesthesia planned. For a flexible cystoscopy performed in a doctor’s office using only a local anesthetic gel, patients can maintain their normal diet and fluid intake. If the procedure involves deeper sedation, your physician may allow a light breakfast several hours before arrival. A light meal includes simple items like toast and cereal, but heavy or fatty foods must be avoided.
It is necessary to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team. Even when eating is permitted, avoid overeating right before the appointment. Staying adequately hydrated with non-alcoholic, clear liquids is encouraged up until a few hours before the procedure. This helps maintain hydration and supports flushing the urinary system.
Anesthesia Determines Fasting Requirements
Fasting is required if the procedure involves general anesthesia or deep sedation. When a patient is put to sleep completely, protective reflexes, such as the gag reflex, are temporarily suppressed. If food or liquid is in the stomach, this loss of reflex creates a risk of pulmonary aspiration, where stomach contents could be inhaled into the lungs. This can lead to severe complications, including aspiration pneumonia.
For procedures involving general anesthesia or deep intravenous sedation, a strict Nil Per Os (NPO) rule is enforced, meaning nothing by mouth for a specified time. This period is typically eight hours before the scheduled start time. Even chewing gum or sucking on hard candies is restricted during this fasting window because these actions can stimulate the production of stomach acid. Complete fasting is a mandatory safety measure for rigid procedures requiring general anesthesia.
Other Essential Preparation Steps
Beyond managing diet, several other preparatory steps ensure a safe and smooth cystoscopy. Medication management is a primary consideration, particularly for patients taking blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin. Your doctor will provide specific instructions on whether to pause these medications, as they increase the risk of bleeding during the examination, especially if a biopsy is planned.
Other essential preparatory actions include:
- Providing a urine sample upon arrival to check for an active urinary tract infection (UTI). An infection must be treated before the cystoscopy can safely proceed.
- Arranging for a responsible adult to drive you home afterward if you are receiving any form of sedation.
- Taking preventative antibiotics if prescribed, especially if you have a history of UTIs or are at high risk.
- Emptying your bladder immediately before the procedure begins.
- Cleaning the area around the urethra with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria.
Immediate Recovery and Discharge
Following a cystoscopy, patients can expect a short recovery period before discharge, which depends on the type of anesthesia used. If the procedure used only local anesthesia, you can typically go home quickly after successfully emptying your bladder. Patients who received deep sedation or general anesthesia will remain in a recovery area for an hour or more until the effects of the medication have fully worn off.
It is normal to experience some mild side effects for the first 24 to 48 hours. Common symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, a temporary increase in urinary frequency, and pink-tinged urine. This coloration is a result of minor bleeding and should resolve within two days. Drinking extra fluids, such as water, is recommended to help flush the bladder and reduce the burning sensation and chance of infection. You can usually resume most normal activities within one to two days, but avoid strenuous activity until advised by your physician.