Cystoscopy post salvage radiation

[jjpeabody]

It's been 2 years since I completed salvage IMRT to surgical bed and pelvic lymph nodes. My MO recommended I have cystoscopy after reporting 3 very small clots during 1 week in urine (about size of crumbled picecs of corn flake). I decided to have one as curious to see what looked like post salvage and a few supporters on our board encouraged me to do so, which I appreciate. The results were pretty good as I had hoped: no lesions or tumor with a mild stricture distal to the sphincter dialted with scope; and significant radiatin changes at bladder neck (recurrence had been posterior to bladder adjacent to bladder neck). Having said all this, this cystoscopy was pretty painful and I had some bleeding, a couple clots in urine, and pain for a couple days. This was my fourth cystoscopy and the prior 3 pre salvage radiation had no or little pain and no blood. My question for those with similar experience or knowledge, is this what I can expect for future cystoscopies due to radiation? An additional question that urologists have not commented on, after salvage radiaton is a vacuum pump for blood flow etc not recommended after salvage radiaton. Thanks for any help or opinions regarding my concerns. Jim

[Tall_Allen]

The reason it is a bad idea to have a cystoscopy after radiation is exactly what you experienced -- if you had minor bleeding before, you will have more now. Instrumentation tears the sensitive tissues and scrapes it, causing more scar tissue and bleeding.

[jjpeabody in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank you for your quick response, that explains my worse fears but answers a lot, hopefully for others too. I really haven't had bleeding or blood in urine except for the tiny clots I had for one week about 6-8 months ago, and the cystoscopy of course. I seem back to where I was, feeling pretty good. I'll just do my best going forward and hope for the best. Thanks Tall_Allen

[j-o-h-n in reply to jjpeabody]

Lets hope that's the last one you'll ever need or let your wife sit in for you.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[jjpeabody in reply to j-o-h-n]

J-o-h-n, thanks for your kind words and sound advice, but I don't think she shares your fine since of humor! All and all I feel pretty good for now and really count my blessings. Take care j-o-h-n and thanks again.

[jjpeabody in reply to Tall_Allen]

Tall_Allen, I do have a related question I hope you can respond to, I will be meeting with my gastroenterologist re a possible colonoscopy. When I had salvage radiation they used a rectal spacer to help protect rectum. My mother died of colon cancer and I've had polyps removed in past. I usually get colonoscopy every three years. Does a colonoscopy present same risks as cystoscopy or is it a more safe procedure? Thank you for any help you can provide.

[Tall_Allen in reply to jjpeabody]

If you wait at least a year after radiation, it would be better.

[jjpeabody in reply to Tall_Allen]

Excellent, it's been two years but at least I feel better seeing what gastroenterologist has to say thanks to your reply. Thank you and take care.

[j-o-h-n]

Keep feeling good and keep out of the urologist's (and M.O.) office....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n