Following inspection of the mucosal surface, various procedures may be performed by inserting instruments into the working channel. After these procedures are completed, the cystoscope is removed, and the bladder is drained through either the rigid sheath or a Foley catheter.

COMPLICATIONS

Complications of flexible and rigid cystoscopy include urinary tract infection, postprocedural hematuria and dysuria, and transient urethral pain. The creation of a false passage and urethral trauma may also occur, but these complications are more common with rigid cystoscopes. In addition, a rigid cystoscope is more traumatic in men with enlarged prostates, who may experience postprocedural hematuria even with gentle passage of the cystoscope under direct vision.