The most common operation on this body system is a cystoscopy. This is a brief encounter where the surgeon looks inside the bladder. It may involve other minor procedures such as taking biopsies, cauterizing the surface of the bladder or stretching the bladder. Fine catheters may be passed up to the kidneys from inside the bladder and x-rays taken or stones removed if present.
A general anaesthetic (fully asleep) is usually given for a cystoscopy and is started with a needle in the back of the hand or in the arm. An airway tube is inserted into your throat when you are asleep. This may leave a 'funny' feeling or taste in your throat for a short time after you wake up. The amount of anaesthesia given is tailored to let you be wide-awake to go home the same day.
As with all anaesthetics, it is important that you do not drive a car, operate any complicated machinery or sign legal documents for 24 hours after your operation finishes.
For more information please refer to www.allaboutanaesthesia.com.au
