Cystoscopy with Bladder Biopsy FAQs

What is the diagnosis or pathology being treated by this procedure or surgery?

1

Most often a bladder biopsy is done to evaluate for bladder cancer. Some benign inflammatory conditions also may require a bladder biopsy. Bladder cancer begins from the lining of the bladder. A bladder biopsy samples the lining of the bladder as well as deeper layers for diagnosis.

Can you describe the procedure or draw a picture?

2

Under heavy sedation or general anesthesia your urologist will inspect your bladder with a cystoscope. Once the urologist identifies areas within the bladder to take samples, small bites of tissue are taken. Most often the biopsies are removed with a cold cup forced. The biopsied sites will need cauterization to prevent bleeding complications. Often patients will have a catheter placed after the procedure that will remain in place for a short time (1-2days) after the biopsy.

What are the benefits of doing this procedure?

3

Tissue inspected under a microscope by a pathologist is required for diagnosis of bladder cancer

What are the risks of doing the procedure?

4

Bleeding: A minor risk of bleeding from the biopsy sites. In a very inflamed bladder or in cases of large volume of cancer bleeding can require hospitalization.

Infection: A small risk of bladder infection from the biopsy is possible.

Anesthesia risks: A bladder biopsy is a quick procedure with lighter anesthesia requirements. The risk of anesthetic complications is infrequent.

Bladder pain/Frequency: As the bladder heals after the procedure some irritation within the bladder occurs that can be mildly uncomfortable or cause bladder symptoms of frequency or urgency of urination.

Are there alternatives to this procedure I should be considering?

5

There are few alternatives to a bladder biopsy because of the requirement for tissue for a pathologist to diagnose cancer. Urinary cytology or FISH tests, or even small bladder samples taken in the office can be an alternative option.

Is this a common procedure?

6

Most often it is best to do a bladder biopsy if your urologists feels that it is necessary. Waiting to do the biopsy may increase the risk of cancer growth and spread.

Should I do the procedure now or what happens if I wait to do the procedure?

7

The standard recommendations apply for getting preoperative clearance from your primary physician as well as any specialists who would need to clear your health status for anesthesia. You will stop blood thinners at the specific time. You will have normal restrictions for eating and drinking prior to the anesthetic

How do I prepare for this surgery?

8

Recovery of the bladder biopsy sites will take a few days to a couple of weeks. Don’t worry most of that you will not notice any symptoms. Some patients will notice bleeding, frequency or urination or mild burning during the first couple of days to up to a couple of weeks depending on the number of biopsies and what pathology exists in the bladder at the time of the biopsy. After a bladder biopsy most patients will not have any difficulty urinating or emptying the bladder.