Rigid Cystoscopy (female)
This webpage will give you information about a rigid
cystoscopy (for women). If you have any questions, you should ask
your GP or other relevant health professional.
What is a rigid cystoscopy?
A rigid cystoscopy is a procedure to check for any problems in
your bladder using a rigid fibre-optic telescope (cystoscope).
Sometimes certain problems with the bladder and urinary tubes can
be treated at the same time.
It may be recommended if you are getting blood in your urine,
repeated infections or have an irritable bladder (a sudden and
uncontrolled urge to pass urine).
Are there any alternatives to a rigid cystoscopy?
A scan may give some information about the cause of the problem.
It is possible to have a flexible cystoscopy that only needs an
anaesthetic jelly. However, certain problems with the bladder and
urinary tubes cannot be treated with a flexible cystoscopy.
What does the procedure involve?
A rigid cystoscopy is usually performed under a general or
spinal anaesthetic and usually takes less than half an hour.
Your doctor will pass the cystoscope into your bladder through
your urethra (see figure 1).
Figure 1 - Cross-section of the female pelvic region showing a
rigid cystoscopy
They will use the cystoscope to look for any problems in the
lining of your bladder and perform biopsies if needed.
If your doctor finds a small growth, it may be possible to
remove it using the cystoscope.
What complications can happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Narrowing of the urethra
- Making a hole in the bladder
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day, after you have
recovered from the anaesthetic and passed urine.
You should be able to go back to work the day after the
cystoscopy unless you are told otherwise.
A member of the team will tell you what was found during the
cystoscopy and will discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you
need.
Summary
A rigid cystoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of
finding out if there is a problem with your bladder.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr John Lemberger FRCS
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
Ramsay Health Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the
information belong exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or
otherwise reproduce any of the information other than for your
personal, non-commercial use.
The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Boston, Boston Treatment Centre
- Caterham, North Downs Hospital
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- Milton Keynes, Blakelands Treatment Centre
- Nottinghamshire, Nottingham Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Torquay, Mount Stuart Hospital
- Truro, Duchy Hospital