Flexible Cystoscopy & Urethral Dilation

A day procedure under local anaesthetic, where a flexible cystoscope is placed in the bladder via the urethra. Narrowing in the urethra is dilated.

Why is it done?

A cystoscopy is used to investigate:

• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Dilatation of Urethral narrowing/ stricture
• Abnormal cells suggestive of urothelial carcinoma, on urine cytology

Ideally a retrograde urethragram is used to diagnose this radiologically

Risk factors for strictures:

• Straddle injuries
• Catheterization or urethral instrumentation
• Infections
• Bypass cardiac surgery with long ischemic time

How is it done?

• A cystoscopy is performed by placing a camera in the urethra with the help of a lubricant jelly and saline
• Usually, you can’t move past the narrowing
• Then:

Urethral Dilatation

• If you have a urethral stricture, a guidewire will be placed and the narrowing dilated
• There may be some hemorrhaging and you may need a catheter for 3 days
• This will be removed at the hospital in 3 days or alternatively arrange for your GP to remove.
• I will review in 6 –8 weeks

Antibiotics may be given to prevent infection

Complications

What to expect after the procedure?

• You may be sent home with an indwelling catheter for 3 days
• Pain on initial passing of urine after it is removed
• Bladder infection ranging from a burning sensation to, fever, to puss (rare)
• Bloodstained urine
• Lower abdominal discomfort which will persist for a few days
• NB! Each person is unique and for this reason, symptoms vary.

Download Information Sheet

Wes Flexible Cystoscopy and Urethral Dilatation IDC

Copyright 2019 Dr. Jo Schoeman