When you experience persistent urinary symptoms or your doctor needs a clear view of your urinary tract, a cystoscopy (also called a cystourethroscopy) provides fast, highly accurate answers.

A cystoscopy is a brief, routine diagnostic procedure that allows a urologist to examine the inside lining of your bladder and urethra in fine detail. At UroPartners, we perform cystoscopies right in our comfortable, state-of-the-art clinic treatment rooms across Chicagoland—giving you clear insights without the need for a hospital stay.

Why a Cystoscopy Is Performed

A cystoscopy allows your urologist to pinpoint the exact root cause of your symptoms. It is commonly used to:

• Identify Blockages: Locate structural obstructions, strictures, or an enlarged prostate.
• Detect Bladder & Urethral Abnormalities: Screen for bladder tumors, polyps, stones, or inflammation.
• Investigate Unexplained Symptoms: Evaluate blood in the urine (hematuria), chronic pelvic pain, frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), or severe urinary urgency.
• Collect Tissue Samples (Biopsies): Safely remove small tissue samples or fluid for precise analysis in our CAP-accredited pathology laboratory.

What to Expect During the Procedure

We prioritize your comfort, safety, and peace of mind throughout every step of your visit.

• Quick & Efficient: The procedure itself typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes.
• Local Anesthesia: Before starting, a local anesthetic gel is applied to numb the urethra, minimizing discomfort.
• Gentle Examination: Your urologist inserts a thin, lighted tube called a cystoscope (either flexible or rigid) through the urethra into the bladder.
• Detailed Visualization: Sterile water or saline solution is gently instilled into the bladder. As the fluid fills and stretches the bladder wall, your physician can carefully view its size, shape, and lining on a high-definition monitor.

Recovery & Aftercare

Because a cystoscopy is an outpatient procedure, you can return home shortly after it is completed.

• Normal Temporary Sensations: You may experience mild urethral soreness or a slight burning feeling during urination for 24 to 48 hours. Drinking plenty of water helps flush the bladder and ease discomfort.

When to Contact Us: While serious complications are rare, you should contact our team promptly if you develop a fever, experience severe pain, have difficulty urinating, or notice bright red blood or large clots in your urine.