Has anyone ever had a CYSTOSCOPY under only local anesthesia?

Posted by ayleswc914 @ayleswc914, Jul 25, 2023

Hi all: In May of this year, I had LeFort Colpoclesis and a mid-urethral bladder sling (mesh). For the first 4 weeks I was doing okay, but had a tight, weak stream and residual urine, like my bladder had 2 chambers and didn't empty on the first voiding each time. Since mid-June, I have had a UTI that has eluded antibiotics, and now the surgeon wants to do a CYSTOSCOPY. Has anyone ever had a cysto under only local anesthesia (numbing gel inserted into urethra)? What was your experience? Many thanks in advance.

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liv38556 | @liv38556 | Jul 26, 2023

I just had a Cystoscopy done this past June aprox. It was very little discomfort. It was done in a Urologists office. The only thing I didn’t like about it was that this time around (I had one done many years ago as well back in the 1980’s or 1990’s) they inserted water into the bladder so they can see the bladder better but the only thing is it made a mess afterwards. Meaning it got all over me up to my mid back even and on the exam table and no one had suggested I bring a change of clothes or a sanitary pad and it got my clothes all wet even afterwards. They gave me a pair of disposable padded underwear afterwards which helped till I could get home (an hour drive away) but I really would’ve appreciated someone telling me to bring a change of clothes beforehand.

ayleswc914 | @ayleswc914 | Jul 26, 2023

Thank you for that advice! I had a urodynamics procedure in a Dr's offc awhile ago, before I had a Colpoclesis and bladder sling surgery in May. They also instilled a lot of saline into my bladder and at the end, said I could pee it out. BUT . . . I was on the table on my back with my legs in stirrups and had ZERO control! Peed out like a firehose all over the exam area and could not stop! FYI, I left that doctor in the dust! Horrid experience! But I will arrive for my appt better prepared, thanks to you. I live alone and do not know anyone in this area (recent move) and have no one to drive me to/from. So hearing that you had minimal discomfort is encouraging. I figure I will, if necessary, lie down in my car for awhile if I need to before driving home (45-60 mins). I will also make sure to wear a diaper with lots of capacity so I can get home okay. Many thanks!