One Stop Haematuria Clinic
We hope the following information will be helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Urology diagnostic unit 01484 355586 who will be happy to help.
What is expected to happen in the clinic?
Your doctor has referred you to the clinic because blood has been detected or seen in your urine. The Haematuria clinic is specifically set up for performing tests on your urinary tract to identify the cause of the bleeding.
Please note it may take up to 3 hours to complete all the investigations required in the Haematuria Clinic. It is usually possible to perform all the tests required on the same day, but if it is not, then we will need to ask you to return on another day.
During your visit to the hospital, we will arrange for you to see the specialist and undergo an ultrasound scan, so please come with a comfortably full bladder. You will be required to have a blood test and have a flexible cystoscopy. We will also need you to provide a urine sample.
You can eat and drink as normal for this appointment.
What does an ultrasound involve?
The ultrasound scan involves placing a warm jelly over the areas to be examined and scanning your kidneys and bladder with a probe and is completely painless. This procedure will take place in the X-ray department, and you will be given a time to arrive there.
What does the flexible cystoscopy involve?
Your specialist will insert and instrument into the bladder via the urethra (the water pipe leading to the bladder). A local anaesthetic jelly is used to numb and lubricate the urethra to make the passage into the bladder as comfortable as possible. Solution is run into the bladder via the tube to inflate the bladder to improve the views. The procedure takes a few minutes. Most patients experience some mild discomfort during the procedure, but the majority do not find this troublesome. A nurse will remain with you throughout the procedure.
What happens afterwards the flexible cystoscopy?
You will be asked to pass the fluid that has been used to fill your bladder.
When you go home you must drink plenty of fluids for the next 24-48 hours the flush your system through. You may find, when you pass the first urine that it may sting or burns slightly for 3-4 days and that the urine may be slightly bloodstained. If you continue to drink plenty of fluid this discomfort and bleeding will resolve rapidly.
Is there any other investigation?
In some patients it is necessary to perform some additional investigations i.e. CTU (contrast urinary scan) where a dye is put into a vein and X-ray pictures are taken. You may require a surgical procedure which will be arranged on a later date. You will be informed of the next steps if necessary.
Will I know the cause of my bleeding at the visit?
We will attempt to explain the cause of your bleeding at the time of your visit, although this is not always possible. You and your GP will be informed of the results of any outstanding investigations once they are available.
