Cystoscopy why is it a general

[Banana1979]

Hi I’ve been having recurring UTIs for ages so saw a urologist and he recommended a cystoscopy as I had a bit of urine infection when he checked me
I read on NHS website that usually these are done with a flexible scope under local but I have been told I am having a general anaesthetic
It’s purely to see inside not treat anything So I’m wondering why it’s under a general
I’m a bit terrified too
I had a bladder ultrasound which was fine so I’m a bit confused

They may want to do a rigid one and take biopsies as this can tell them more. I had to have one and actually chose to have it under general as I didn’t like the idea of being awake and because of this they decided to do it as a rigid one as they felt it would be more conclusive. It was okay, I felt like I had a uti for a few days afterwards (I didn’t, just the sensation of it) but the actual procedure and ga was fine. (My first one).

It confirmed a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis as part of my lupus for me (had difficulties since I was 14 but was getting worse in my 40s). I have a lot of complex health issues as well as those though.

When I was a staff nurse I used to work in Urology theatre and cystoscopies were our bread and butter so to speak. Having seen hundreds and hundreds of cystoscopies I would definitely have a general - and I say that as someone who had a gastroscopy with just a bit of throat spray so I could see inside my own stomach so I consider myself pretty hardy!!

It's not the most pleasant experience. The scope will feel uncomfortable and they will fill your bladder up to capacity with water so they can have a good look round while taking biopsies. I would definitely recommend a general OP x

There’s a difference between flexible and rigid cystoscopies - flexi can be done awake but rigid are done asleep. Rigid cystoscopy & GA also allows the opportunity to biopsy/treat more things (which they should explain if they’re anticipating doing anything beyond just having a look when you go through the consent process).

Thank you all I feel better now ! X