Cystoscopy means look (scopy) into the bladder (cyst = bladder/pouch). This is done while awake with some numbing gel into the urethra and takes 3-5 minutes. We haven't had to soundproof the walls in the clinic yet; it is very tolerable with > 99% patients not demanding the next cysto (commonly abbreviated like this) is done in the operating room. The main reason it is done is for men with blood in the urine of unknown cause (hematuria) to rule out bladder cancer, the 4th most common cancer in men.

Our urology guidelines tell us some type of characterization of the prostate should be done prior to TURP. This can include a CT, MRI or other imaging - so not everyone needs a cysto prior to TURP. If the urologist is worried about something else in the list of things that could be causing urinary symptoms like urethral narrowing or stricture or bladder stone a cysto in clinic is helpful. Some Urologists will want to do a cysto prior to help determine the best treatment approach trying to answer the ? Is there a prominent median lobe of the prostate etc.

All the best,

Dr Kohler
Professor of Urology
Head of Mayo Men's Health