Day theatre procedure
About this service
A cystoscopy examines the bladder using a fine camera passed through the urethra, and it is performed in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre. This gives your doctor a direct view inside the bladder, helping to investigate symptoms like blood in the urine, recurrent urinary infections or difficulty passing urine that has not been explained by other tests. It is a well-established way of identifying issues such as bladder stones, inflammation or abnormal growths that would not otherwise be visible.
Depending on the reason for the examination, it may be done with local or general anaesthesia. Most patients are able to go home the same day, with only mild, temporary symptoms like a stinging sensation when urinating afterwards.
What to expect
- Before the test you give a urine sample so any infection can be treated first.
- A fine flexible or rigid camera is passed through the urethra into the bladder, which is filled with sterile fluid so the lining can be inspected.
- If your doctor sees anything unusual, a small sample can be taken during the same examination and sent to the laboratory.
- Expect a stinging sensation and a little blood in the urine for a day or two afterwards; drinking plenty of water helps.
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Blood in the urine that has not been explained
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Difficulty or pain when passing urine
- A doctor has recommended a direct view inside the bladder
Frequently asked questions
What can a cystoscopy find that a scan cannot?
The camera shows the bladder lining directly, so small growths, inflammation, stones and bleeding points that hide from an ultrasound are seen straight away. Your doctor can also take a tiny sample if something looks unusual.
Will I be awake during a cystoscopy?
That depends on the reason for the test. A quick look can be done with numbing gel while you are awake, while a longer examination or one that may need treatment is done under general anaesthesia.
Can I drive home after a cystoscopy?
Not if you had sedation or general anaesthesia, so please arrange a lift. Drink extra water for the rest of the day to ease the stinging when you pass urine.
For referring doctors
Referring doctors can book cystoscopy sessions through Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre in Windhoek, with anaesthetist and theatre support arranged as needed. Contact us to schedule your patient's procedure.
Day theatre information for doctorsReady to book your cystoscopy?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.