What follow-up care is recommended after a cystoscopy, and how should I address any post-procedural symptoms my patients may experience?

Follow-up care after cystoscopy involves monitoring for any complications such as urinary tract infection, haematuria, or bladder discomfort. Patients should be advised to report symptoms like persistent bleeding, severe pain, fever, or difficulty urinating promptly to a healthcare professional. Routine follow-up appointments may be arranged depending on the indication for cystoscopy and findings during the procedure, especially if abnormalities such as bladder stones or cancer are suspected or detected, which may require further investigation or specialist referral ¹.

Management of post-procedural symptoms typically includes reassurance that mild discomfort, urinary frequency, or slight haematuria can be common and usually resolve within a few days. Encourage adequate hydration to help flush the urinary tract. If symptoms such as severe pain, persistent haematuria, or signs of infection develop, patients should be assessed promptly, and appropriate treatment such as antibiotics may be initiated ¹.

For patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, cystoscopy is not recommended for routine surveillance, but if performed, careful follow-up is essential to monitor for complications like bladder stones or infections, and patients should be informed about symptoms that warrant medical review ¹.