Cystoscopy

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This is a diagnostic procedure involving the insertion of a small telescope from the vulva into the bladder to examine its interior.  It is usually performed under general anaesthetic but can be carried out under light sedation. 

The procedure is usually performed in patients who complain of painful bladder, blood in their urine or who are having recurrent urinary tract infections.  It is often carried out at the end of a gynaecological operation to confirm that there has been no damage to the bladder or the ureters (tubes that drain the kidneys into the bladder).

The risk of complication is low but includes urinary tract infection, perforation of the bladder and trauma to the urethra.