anesthesia for cystoscopy

[faithy]

I am having my first cystoscopy on monday and I think I'll be put under, I have a pre-op meeting tomorrow. I'm hoping that's the case...Anyone know if they actually put you under? and if so, I guess you have to see a doctor associated with a hospital for this kind of treatment.

[Sarojini]

If you have to go in for a pre-op meeting, I think that generally means that you are going to be put under. They need to check you out to make sure you don't have any underlying problems that would make general anesthesia or surgery difficult. At my pre-op meeting they took blood and urine samples and took a detailed medical history. They also did an EKG on me because I have a history of asthma/breathing problems, and they wanted to make sure my heart was strong. And then the anesthesia nurse talked to me and filled me in on what I could expect the next day in surgery.

Basically, there are two kinds of cystoscopy. There is the in-office cysto, where you just go to the doctor's office and they do it right there with no anesthesia.

The kind that is used to diagnose IC, however, is the cystoscopy with hydrodistention of the bladder. For this one, you go to the hospital and they give you either general or spinal anesthesia... while you're out, they look at your bladder and fill it up to a pretty high pressure with water. The distention is what reveals the pinpoint hemmorhages/glomerulations that are often considered to be "hallmarks" of IC. The distention can also provide symptom relief for some people!

[Babs RN]

Speaking from recent personal experience...they put me out a mere 2 days ago for one. Every hospital and anesthetist are different but for the hydros they usually use the spinals or general anesthesia. I can't explain it any better than Jen's--except to say--Jen, with your ability to explain things, you should write a book. I would buy it. And since I knew the people in the OR cuz I work at the hospital, they may have put me out just so they didn't have to listen to me chatter--especially on drugs. Just kidding....

Hugs,
Barb

[ICNDonna]

An anesthetic is routine for a cystoscopy with hydrodistention. I always have spinal anesthesia, but that's just my own preference. Some people prefer generals.

Donna

[Sarojini]

Hey Barb,

Thanks for the compliment on my explanations... :)

How are you feeling, BTW? Are you still in pain from the hydro? Can you tell yet if it is going to give you symptom relief??

[photomom]

Word of advice from some one who did not get any anthesia for hers 6 months ago........ make sure you get it or your be in pain hell!

My new Dr suggested I file a medical complaint to the board from my last URO doing it to me in the office with no meds, or anthesia.

I have been asked to consider doing another one under general anthesia so my new Dr can see whats going on.