Cystoscopy w/ Bladder Biopsy
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.
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.
Risks Include:
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.
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.
Because this procedure is most often done under anesthesia, the standard recommendations for getting preoperative clearance from your primary physician as well as any specialists prior to the biopsy. You will stop blood thinners at the specific time. You will have normal restrictions for eating and drinking prior to the anesthetic
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.