Cystoscopy

A cystoscopy involves inserting a small instrument into the urethra. The operation is used to view the anatomy of the bladder and urethra and enables minor procedures to be performed such as the removal of ureteric stents and lesion biopsies.

How long will it take?

Your child will be admitted to hospital for one day and the operation will take 45 minutes to one hour to complete.

This involves the anaesthetic, operation and time spent waking up in the recovery room.

What happens after the operation?

Your child’s doctor will speak with you after the operation and let you know how everything went. This is your opportunity to ask questions.

Nursing staff will let you know when your child is able to go home. Usually this will be within two hours after the operation.

Care at home

Your child may experience mild discomfort when passing urine. This will get better with time and through drinking plenty of fluids.

There may also be a small amount of blood in your child’s urine for the first 24 to 48 hours. This is normal.

Your child may go back to doing normal activities 24 hours after the operation.

Pain relief

After surgery it is important to provide regular pain relief to your child at home to ensure they are comfortable during their recovery. Medications such as paracetamol should be sufficient to relieve your child’s discomfort. These medications are available over the counter at pharmacies.

Your anaesthesist, surgeon, pharmacist and/or nursing staff will discuss the suitability of these medications for your child before you go home.

Do NOT give aspirin to your child.

Will there be scar?

There will be no scar or stitches as the skin will not be broken.

When can my child eat and drink again?

When your child wakes up, they may like some clear fluids (water, cordial, etc.). If no nausea or vomiting occurs then introduce foods slowly. The next day they can return to their normal diet. Babies may have clear fluids to start with then breast milk or formula as usual.

If your child experiences nausea or vomiting when home – stop food and fluids for one hour then give them sips of clear fluid, dry toast or a biscuit.

Contact the hospital if your child shows any of the following symptoms:

• excessive bleeding
• high temperature (above 37.5 °C)
• excessive pain not relieved by medication
• inability to pass urine
• vomiting (more than three to four times).

Follow-up visits

• Public patients – You will receive an appointment for an Outpatient’s Clinic before you go home. Please contact the hospital if you have any concerns before your appointment.
• Private patients – You will receive follow-up details from your doctor.

When to seek help

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

If you're not sure whether to go to an emergency department, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and speak to a registered nurse.

Developed by the Surgical Day Unit, Queensland Children’s Hospital. We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.

Resource ID: FS224. Reviewed: February 2017.

Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.