In-clinic Cystoscopy

A cystoscopy is a test to help diagnose bladder problems. 

What to bring: 

• Urine and/or blood reports 

Directions: 

If this is your child’s first visit to SickKids you need to register for your appointment at Clinic Registration near the Atrium entrance on Elizabeth Street. Arrive early so you have enough time to register. 

If this is a return visit to SickKids you need to register in the Urology Clinic on Unit 5D. The Urology Clinic is located on the fifth floor of the Atrium. Take the Atrium elevator to the fifth floor and look for the D sign. That will lead you to 5D. 

Your child’s name will be called and you will be taken to the procedure room. Your child will change into a gown. Your child’s nurse or nurse practitioner will ask you and your child some questions about current and past medical history. If your child requires Lorazepam (oral medication) we will have vital signs and weight taken. Your child will receive Lorazepam to help calm them down during the procedure. 

The cystoscopy procedure may follow this process: 

Your child will be asked to empty their bladder before the procedure. Then your child will lie down on a table on their back. Older female children will likely be positioned with feet in stirrups and knees bent. 

If your child receives Lorazepam, they will feel sleepy and relaxed during the cystoscopy, but they will still be aware. A numbing jelly will be applied to your child’s urethra to help prevent pain when the cystoscope is inserted. After waiting a few minutes for the numbing, your child’s doctor will carefully insert the cystoscope into your child’s urethra, using the smallest scope possible. 

As the cystoscope passes through your child’s urethra and towards the bladder, your child’s doctor will look through a lens on the end of the cystoscope. The lens works like a telescope to magnify the inner surfaces of your child’s urethra and bladder and this image is transmitted to a monitor. 

While the cystoscope is inserted into the urethra, your doctor will flood the bladder with a sterile saline solution. The solution inflates the bladder and flushes debris and allows your doctor to get a better look inside. As your child’s bladder fills, they may feel the need to urinate. As soon as the cystoscopy is complete, your child will be allowed to empty the bladder. 

After the cystoscopy, you will receive post-procedural instructions before leaving. You will have lots of time to ask questions and give feedback on your child’s plan of care. If your child received Lorazepam, you may be asked to remain in the clinic for approximately 45 to 60 minutes to let the effects of the medication wear off before you leave. Due to residual effect of the Lorazepam, your child may be required to use a wheelchair from the clinic to SickKids’ front door or the parking garage to prevent your child from falling. 

If any referrals or follow-up appointments are needed, the clinic coordinator/clerk will be available to assist you with scheduling an appointment. You will be given an appointment card or your appointment will be mailed to you, depending on booking availabilities. 

More information: 

Visit Division of Urology 

If you are inquiring about your child’s referral from your family doctor or preliminary consultation clinic appointment, call 416-813-6661 or email urology.clinic@sickkids.ca. 

Press #1 – General Info 
Press #2 – Referral Info 
Press #3 – Dr. Armando Lorenzo or Dr. Darius Bägli 
Press #4 – Dr. Frank Papanikolaou or Dr. Roberto Iglesias-Lopes 
Press #5 – Dr. Joana Dos Santos or the fellows 

If you are inquiring about your child’s surgery please email urology.surgery@sickkids.ca.