This article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a template for consenting patients. The person obtaining consent should have clear knowledge of the procedure and the potential risks and complications. Always refer to your local or national guidelines, and the applicable and appropriate law in your jurisdiction governing patient consent.
Overview of Procedure
A flexible cystoscopy is a basic urological procedure which allows visualisation of the urethra and bladder without the need for administering a general anaesthetic unlike rigid cystoscopy. It is primarily used for diagnostic purposes including taking biopsies as well as aiding stent placement. It can be done as a day case procedure, most commonly performed in the work-up for haematuria.
Complications
Intraoperative
| Complication | Description of Complication | Potential Ways to Reduce Risk |
| Blood loss | Damage or abrasion or lining of urethra, bladder can cause minor bleeding, resulting in haematuria | Careful and meticulous handling of the scope to avoid damage |
| Damage to surrounding structures | Damage can occur to the urethra, bladder, or ureters during the procedure | Use of an appropriate sized scope |
| Anaesthetic risks | Local anaesthetic toxicity or reaction | Check allergy status, prior to procedure (instillagel contains lidocaine and chlorhexadine) |
Early
| Complication | Description of Complication | Potential Ways to Reduce Risk |
| Pain | Dysuria from the instrumentation used and slight urethral dilation from the scope | Use of instillagel into the urethra and simple analgesia post-operatively |
| Infection | Infection can be introduced by the instrumentation, however the overall risk is very low | Maintain an aseptic technique throughout the procedure |
Late
| Complication | Description of Complication | Potential Ways to Reduce Risk |
| Urethral stricture | Recurrent cystoscopies can result in potential urethral strictures developing |