How many people are in the room for a cystoscopy? A Clear Explanation

October 2, 2025 •

3 min read

The number of medical professionals present for a cystoscopy varies depending on whether it’s an in-office procedure or one performed in an operating room. This guide will detail how many people are in the room for a cystoscopy based on these different settings, helping you feel more prepared.

Quick Summary

The number of medical personnel present during a cystoscopy typically ranges from two to four or more, depending on the complexity and setting of the procedure, with a urologist and at least one nurse assisting.

Key Points

Staffing Depends on Setting: A cystoscopy in a doctor's office requires fewer staff than one in an operating room.
In-Office Team: A standard flexible cystoscopy typically includes the urologist and one nurse.
Operating Room Team: A rigid cystoscopy under anesthesia requires a larger team, including a urologist, an anesthesia professional, and several nurses.
Roles of the Team: The urologist performs the procedure, while nurses and anesthesia staff focus on assistance, monitoring, and patient comfort.
Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your doctor about the team present during your procedure to help ease your mind.
Focus on Safety: The number of people and their roles are optimized to ensure the safest possible outcome for the patient.

Who Is Present for an In-Office (Flexible) Cystoscopy?

For a standard, in-office flexible cystoscopy, the procedure is performed with a local anesthetic, which means fewer staff are required. In this setting, the medical team usually consists of two key individuals: the urologist and a nurse. This arrangement ensures both patient comfort and procedural efficiency.

The Urologist's Role

The urologist is the physician specializing in the urinary tract and is the primary individual performing the cystoscopy. They will be responsible for inserting the flexible cystoscope, examining the bladder and urethra, and interpreting the findings. The urologist will also communicate with you throughout the procedure, explaining what they are doing and what they see.

The Nurse's Role

The nurse plays a crucial supporting role. They assist with patient preparation, such as providing a gown and prepping the area, and can assist the urologist during the procedure. Their duties may include:

Monitoring your comfort level.
Handling and passing instruments to the urologist.
Explaining what to expect before and during the procedure.
Providing reassurance and answering any questions you may have.

Who Is Present for an Operating Room (Rigid) Cystoscopy?

When a more complex procedure is necessary, such as a rigid cystoscopy or if a biopsy is required, it is often performed in an operating room under general anesthesia or sedation. This setting involves a larger team to manage the anesthesia and maintain a sterile environment. Here is a breakdown of the additional personnel you can expect:

The Anesthesia Team

If you are receiving general anesthesia, an anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) will be in the room. Their sole focus is to administer and monitor the anesthesia, ensuring you remain safe and comfortable throughout the procedure. They continuously monitor your vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.

Additional Surgical Staff

Beyond the urologist and the anesthesia team, several other staff members are vital for an operating room procedure:

Surgical Assistant: An assistant may be present to help the urologist with more complex tasks, such as maneuvering instruments or collecting samples.
Circulating Nurse: This nurse manages the overall flow of the procedure, ensuring all necessary supplies and equipment are readily available. They also communicate with other hospital staff and document the procedure.
Scrub Technologist: A scrub tech is responsible for preparing and maintaining the sterile field and instruments used during the surgery. They work directly with the urologist, passing instruments as needed.

Factors Influencing Staff Numbers

The number of people in the room is determined by several factors, which your doctor will consider when planning your procedure:

Type of Cystoscopy: Flexible cystoscopies require less support, while rigid ones in the operating room require more.
Type of Anesthesia: Local anesthetic (jelly) needs minimal supervision, while general anesthesia requires a dedicated anesthesia team.
Biopsy or Other Procedures: If tissue samples or other interventions are planned, additional staff and instruments may be necessary.
Training Hospital: Sometimes, in a teaching hospital, a resident or medical student may observe or assist under the supervision of the urologist.

Flexible vs. Rigid Cystoscopy Staffing


Aspect	Flexible Cystoscopy (Office)	Rigid Cystoscopy (Operating Room)
Anesthesia	Local anesthetic jelly only	General or spinal anesthesia
Primary Performer	Urologist	Urologist
Core Assistants	One nurse	Anesthesia team (anesthesiologist or CRNA) and several nurses
Additional Staff	N/A	Surgical assistant, circulating nurse, scrub tech
Typical Duration	5–10 minutes	Up to 30 minutes (or longer if combined with other procedures)

What to Expect and How to Feel More Comfortable

Regardless of the procedure type, the medical team is there to ensure your safety and comfort. They will talk you through the process and answer your questions. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor beforehand about who will be in the room. This transparency can help alleviate any anxiety you may have.

If you want more detailed information on cystoscopies and ureteroscopies, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) offers excellent resources on its website at https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/cystoscopy-ureteroscopy. Being informed is the best way to feel in control of your medical care.

Conclusion

For a cystoscopy, the number of medical professionals in the room varies based on the procedure's complexity and location. A simple office visit typically involves a urologist and a nurse. In an operating room, the team expands to include an anesthesia professional and additional nurses. In either case, the entire team is dedicated to your well-being and ensuring a safe, successful procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a simple flexible cystoscopy performed in a doctor's office, you can typically expect two medical professionals: the urologist who performs the procedure and a nurse who assists and monitors your comfort.

In an operating room for a rigid cystoscopy, a larger team is present. This typically includes the urologist, a certified registered nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist, a circulating nurse, and possibly a surgical assistant or scrub tech.

Nurses play a critical role in patient care. In an office setting, a nurse assists the urologist and monitors your comfort. In an operating room, different nurses have specific roles, such as circulating (managing the room's flow) or scrubbing (handling instruments).

Yes, the number of medical staff is determined by the procedure's complexity and location, not the patient's gender. The same staffing protocols apply to both male and female patients.

While the medical team is there for safety, you can discuss your concerns with your doctor beforehand. The minimum number of staff needed for a safe procedure cannot be changed, but expressing your preference for privacy is an important part of open communication with your care team.

No, an anesthesiologist is only present if you are receiving general anesthesia or sedation for the procedure, which is more common for rigid cystoscopies. For flexible cystoscopies using only a local numbing gel, they are not typically in the room.

If your doctor plans to take a biopsy, the procedure may be scheduled in an operating room rather than a doctor's office, which would necessitate the larger surgical team described for a rigid cystoscopy. Your doctor will inform you of this beforehand.