I had one 3 weeks ago.  The only anesthetic was lydocain which was inserted
via syringe (not a needle) into the urethra 15 min before the procedure.
Other than feeling very cold, that was painless.  There was one moment of
significant discomfort during the exam when I went "yahhh" and the doc said
"that usually gets their attention."  The whole thing lasted only a minute
or two.  I had pretty painful burning at the start of urination for the next
36 hours or so.

In the summer I have to get my bladder checked to see if the 2
mini-tumours (benign) found during PVP have recurred.

I believe if a flexible 'scope is used a general anaesthetic can be
avoided.

Anyone here experienced that? What's the pain/discomfort side of it
like?

Maurice Batey (Retired in Hampshire, UK)

http://www.maurice.eurobell.co.uk

(Change "no.spam" to "." in E-mail address.)

I just went through one about two weeks ago to remove a kidney stone
which was stuck in my bladder.  It took him quite a while to grab it,
so I suspect he was in there longer than usual and it was uncomfortable
with him chasing the thing around and missing it :-)  I was watching
the whole thing on the TV monitor.  As I said, uncomfortable but not
really painful until he managed to snag the stone and withdraw it.  
That hurt.

Topical anesthetic was used only.  More painful than the Cystoscopy was
peeing over the next day or so.  Very sharp burning sensation.  After
that, no problems.

I'd have to say the whole thing was pretty much a non-event.  On the
other hand, I don't know how much of that was due to the skill of the
doctor... he also does the least uncomfortable DRE's I have ever had.  
He didn't seem to be a very good claw-machine operator however :-)