Cystoscopy is the most common procedure that urologists perform. It’s a brief diagnostic procedure in which a small, flexible camera (cystoscope) is place through the urethra under local anesthetic using a freezing gel. This procedure is done at the Lions Gate Hospital AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTRE (also called the Local Room).
At the Ambulatory Surgical Centre we also perform other minor procedures including:
– vasectomy
– urethral dilatation
– bladder instillations
– bladder Botox injections
– excisional biopsies of genital lesions
Can I drive myself to and from the appointment?
As there is no sedation or general anaesthesia, it is OK to drive.
What do I wear?
For cystoscopy and most minor procedures, you will need to be exposed from the waist down. For most patients, we will ask you simply to push your undergarments and clothing down towards your ankles, so choose clothing will facilitate this.
Do I need to fast?
Fasting is not required for cystoscopy or any of the minor procedures as no sedation or general anaesthesia is administered.
Do I need to come with a full bladder?
If you have a “FLOW RATE TEST”, drink enough fluids so that you arrive with a “comfortably” full bladder (not like for an ultrasound).
If you are not scheduled for a flow rate test, empty your bladder prior to the exam (there is a restroom in the waiting area).
Can I do the cystoscopy if I am menstruating?
There is no medical reason to cancel your appointment if menstruating.
Can I do the cystoscopy if I am pregnant?
Please inform our staff as soon as possible if you are or may be pregnant. They will let your urologist know of your condition so that a decision can be made whether or not to proceed with the test.
Can I do the cystoscopy if I have a UTI?
Although the reason for cystoscopy is often to figure out why UTIs are occurring, if you think you have a new UTI that is not treated there may be a role for postponing the test. Please inform our staff.
Where do I go?
Lions Gate Hospital
Ambulatory Surgical Centre (Local Room)
231 East 15th Street
North Vancouver, BC
V7L 2L7
- Check in at the ADMITTING DESK located in the MAIN HOSPITAL LOBBY 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
- Have your health care card available.
- You will be directed to the AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTRE on the 2nd FLOOR.
- When you get there, please check at the desk.
- Have a seat and the nurse will come and get you shortly.
- You will bring your personal belongings into the exam room.
What should I expect after cystoscopy?
- You may notice some blood in the urine for about one to two days after the procedure (most commonly in men), and you may have slight discomfort with urination for one or two days.
- Rarely, the procedure can result in a urinary tract infection, but antibiotics are generally not given at the time of the procedure for most patients.
- Drinking extra fluids will help you recover from the procedure.
- Generally, there are no restrictions in activity afterwards unless advised by your urologist. Exercise, driving, and going to work are permitted.
What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please call us at (604) 987-8171, Ext. #2 in order to change or cancel your appointment. We kindly request you notify us of such changes at least 24 business hours in advance of your scheduled appointment.
Due to the limited availability of the Ambulatory Surgical Centre’s time assigned to each urologist, our wait-list for these procedures may be long. Failure to attend your appointment may not only affect your health, but also the health of other patients. Failure to provide our office with adequate notice may result in a No Show Fee.
North Shore Urology 