Will the Procedures Hurt?

• Cystoscopy - It may be performed with local anesthesia. You may feel some pressure and mild sense of discomfort as the doctor inserts the scope. The symptoms are temporary.
• Cystoscopy with biopsy - you may feel some pressure and mild sense of discomfort as the doctor inserts the scopoe. You may feel a "pinch" sensation as biopsy of bladder is taken.
• Prostate biopsy - you may feel pressure from the ultrasound probe inserted in the rectum. A "pinch" or "stinging" sensation may also be felt when biopsies are being taken. Your doctor may choose to use a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort prior to biopsies.
• Excision of skin lesions - you should not feel any pain as you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the biopsy is to be taken.
• Vasectomy - you will not feel any sharp pain. You may feel some pressure and "pulling or tugging" sensation in scrotum or abdomen.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

• Cystoscopy: 5 - 10 minutes
• Cystoscopy with biopsy: 10 - 15 minutes
• Prostate biopsy: 20 - 25 minutes
• Excision of skin lesions: 5 - 10 minutes
• Vasectomy: 25 - 30 minutes

Can I Return to Work? When?

• Cystoscopy: day of procedure
• Cystoscopy with biopsy: the following day after procedure
• Prostate biopsy: next day, unless heavy bleeding or job requires heavy lifting or strenuous activity, then off work day of and day after procedure. Discuss this with your urologist. 
• Excision of skin lesions: day of procedure 
• Vasectomy: off work 2-3 days unless job requires heavy lifting, strenuous activity, then at the discretion of the doctor (possibly one week)

Will I Get My Results Today?

• Cystoscopy: Yes. The doctor will tell you what he observes inside your bladder today.
• Cystoscopy with biopsy: The doctor will tell you what he observes inside your bladder today. The tissue sample (biopsy) taken will be sent to a pathologist for review and may take 1-2 weeks for results. 
• Prostate biopsy: The doctor uses the ultrasound mainly as a guide for biopsy location. The tissue samples will be sent to a pathologist for review and may take 1-2 weeks for results.
• Excision of skin lesions: If a skin or tissue sample is taken it will be sent to a pathologist for review and may take 1-2 weeks for results. 

When Can I Start Working Out/Exercising?

• Cystoscopy: day of procedure
• Cystoscopy with biopsy: as directed by your urologist
• Prostate biopsy: generally one week. Discuss this with your urologist. 
• Excision of skin lesions: day of procedure, as long as no bleeding from biopsy site 
• Vasectomy: 1-2 weeks, as long as no pain or swelling 

When Can I Restart my Blood Thinners/ASA?

• Cystoscopy: As a rule with flexible cystoscopy these drugs do not have to be withheld. Ask your urologist for his recommendation.
• Cystoscopy with biopsy: Generally 3-5 days. Ask your urologist.
• Prostate biopsy: Ask your urologist.
• Excision of skin lesions: n/a
• Vasectomy: Ask your urologist.