Catheter for Men after Cystoscopy? What to expect?

I've had 3 TURBTs and 5 cystoscopies and only 1 involved a catheter and my vote is for no catheters. I'm not a medical professional and I'm sure there are instances where they are needed but I always ask for no catheter if I have a choice in the matter.

My husband has had multiple cystoscopies over the years and never needed a catheter afterward. He always had a catheter for a week or more after a TURBT though. Some patients I have seen on this forum have requested no catheter going home after a procedure. The doctor can make the best choice for each patient after a discussion with them.

All 3 of my cystos and TURBTs I had a catheter during the procedure. The first surgery the doctor left in the catheter for 2 days and took it out. I bit painful but not to badand a problem to sleep.

I have had two cystoscopies with TURBT and did not go home with a catheter for either on. However, after my second TURBT I did end up in the ER 7 hours later as I was unable to pass urine. I ended up with a catheter that I had for two days. Evidently my bladder was late to recover from the anesthesia after the second TURBT.

I had mine on for a week

@looking4elk
I had mine for three days after my TURBT. To remove it, I stood in the shower, withdrew the water from the Foley and the catheter just fell out.

If it’s JUST a cystoscopy, it’s highly doubtful you’d need a catheter. Cystoscopy is a pretty quick and easy affair. I’ve had three in the last year and none lasted longer than 15 minutes.

My Dr sends me home with a catheter after each TRUBT because I had trouble voiding early on. Per his instructions, I remove it myself after 2 days. There is no catheter after each cystoscope which is done every 2-3 months now, due to recurring tumors.

@larrybird, as you see from the many responses, most people do not need a catheter after cystoscopy. It is possible that you may need to have a urinary (Foley) catheter in your bladder to make sure your bladder is emptying. If you do, your nurse will remove it before you go home to see if you can empty your bladder. If you can’t, you’ll go home with the catheter in for few more days. Your nurse will show you how to care for it before you go home. They will tell you when they will remove the catheter and explain your discharge instructions to you and your caregiver.

When will you have the cystoscopy? How are you doing?