Cystoscopy in Children: What to Expect at Home

Have your child rest when they feel tired.

Many children are able to return to normal activities within 1 to 2 days after surgery.

Your child can eat a normal diet. If your child's stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.

Have your child drink plenty of fluids. If your child has to limit fluids because of a health problem, talk with your doctor before you increase how much your child drinks.

Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

• If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.

• If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.

• Store your child's prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

• Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.

If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.

If your child does not have a catheter, they may take a warm bath once or twice a day to help with pain. To reduce the chances of irritation and pain, avoid bubble baths. Use soap only at the end of the bath.

Your child passes out (loses consciousness).

Your child has severe trouble breathing.

Your child has chest pain, is short of breath, or coughs up blood.

Your child has severe belly pain.

Your child is sick to their stomach or cannot keep fluids down.

Your child's urine is still red or you see blood clots after your child has urinated several times.

Your child has trouble passing urine or stool, especially if they have pain or swelling in their lower belly.

Your child has signs of a blood clot in their leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:

• Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.

• Swelling in the leg or groin.

• A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish, depending on your child's usual skin color.

Your child develops a fever or severe chills.

Your child has pain in the back just below the rib cage. This is called flank pain.

Your child has pain or burning when they urinate. A burning feeling is normal for a day or two after the procedure, but call if it doesn't get better.

Your child has a frequent urge to urinate but can pass only small amounts of urine.

Your child's urine is pink, red, or cloudy, or it smells bad. It's normal for the urine to have a pinkish color for a few days after the procedure, but call if it doesn't get better.